tree canopy

Natural Resources and the Environment

Our vision

The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment is a world leader in scholarship addressing social and ecological dimensions of natural resources and the environment to improve environmental sustainability, promote the well-being of communities, and ensure access to sustainable energy and environmental resources.

What we work on

We create knowledge and facilitate learning to improve society’s stewardship of the environment and promote a conservation ethos for a sustainable planet.

People standing in a river spearing fish
Aquatic and Fisheries Ecology and Management
Three researchers with mountains in the background
Climate and Energy
A multi-plot garden with crops and shed in the foreground, with a blue sky and the tops of buildings of New York City off in the distance.
Conservation Social Sciences and Policy
Three researchers look into the distance through binoculars.
International Conservation
Three white terns fly in a group against a bright blue sky.
Terrestrial and Wildlife Ecology and Management

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

We are a diverse department of researchers, educators, students and staff that seek science-based solutions to environmental problems and sustainable natural resource management. In our research, teaching and outreach, we recognize that the acknowledgement and respect of all stakeholders’ perspectives is essential for achieving just and sustainable solutions to today’s environmental problems.

Read more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

News

Solar panels floating on a pond

News

New approach models potential and trade-offs of floating solar

Researchers project significant energy gains from using floating solar on just 3.5% of waterbodies in the Northeastern U.S., even with approaches that preserve biodiversity and recreation.

  • Cornell Atkinson
  • Natural Resources and the Environment
  • Biodiversity
Two fisherman on a small boat cast fishing lines into the water at sunset

News

Fishing supports social well-being for Myanmar refugees

Since relocating to Upstate New York, Myanmar refugees’ relationship to fishing has shifted, from angling for food and nutrition to being a means for maintaining social connections, time outdoors and emotional well-being.

  • Natural Resources and the Environment
  • Food
  • Fish
Solar panels

News

Trading some corn-ethanol land for solar offers ‘tremendous opportunity’

In the U.S., strategically converting a small fraction of land used to grow corn for ethanol to solar facilities could vastly increase energy production per hectare, as well as provide ecological benefits and financial resiliency for farmers.

  • Natural Resources and the Environment
  • Energy
  • Solar
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