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Natural Resources and the Environment

Our vision

The section of Natural Resources and the Environment within the Ashley School of Global Development 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
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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 community 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

person standing next to poster at conference

News

CBFS staff attend NY Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting
The New York Chapter and Northeastern Division of the American Fisheries Society annual meeting was held in Saratoga, New York, from February 4-6. Seven Cornell Biological Field Station (CBFS) representatives attended, including Tom Brooking...
  • Biological Field Station
  • Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment
  • Natural Resources and the Environment Section
A horned grebe floating in water

News

With planning, birds and floating solar can coexist

A new data-informed approach to siting floating solar in the Northeast could help protect birds, without sacrificing clean energy gains.

  • Cornell Atkinson
  • Lab of Ornithology
  • Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment
person standing front of aquatic tank

News

Round Goby invade the Hudson River Estuary, NY
Kelsey Alvarez del Castillo published the second paper documenting her studies on round goby in the Transactions of the American Fisheries Society in January 2026. Round Goby are a highly invasive fish species that have recently invaded the...
  • Biological Field Station
  • Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment
  • Natural Resources and the Environment Section
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