We know that meeting the climate crisis requires focused, science-driven action. That’s why we are directing our efforts toward seven problems—areas where meaningful progress is both critical and within reach.

In this “decisive decade,” Cornell experts are tackling challenges that demand urgency, practicality, and a deep commitment to equity. From cutting CO₂ emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere to reimagining financial, agricultural, and energy systems in ways that support just economic and societal transitions, these seven focus areas offer clear pathways forward.

Each solvable problem is a call to action—guided by rigorous research, radical collaboration, and a determination to leave no one behind. By advancing solutions locally and scaling what works globally, we aim to build a more just, resilient, and sustainable future for all.

1. Clean energy solutions for reduced CO₂ emissions
   We’re advancing solutions to cut carbon pollution at the source—transforming how we power our lives, industries, and infrastructure.
2. Atmospheric carbon removal: natural and synthetic pathways
   We are innovating both nature-based and engineered methods to remove carbon already in the atmosphere.
3. Climate adaptation and resilience: preparing people and societies  
   We’re building knowledge, tools, and partnerships to help local and global communities respond to extreme events and adapt to climate impacts—protecting people, food systems, and essential infrastructure.
4. Climate modification through planetary engineering
   We’re investigating the potential benefits, risks, trade-offs, and appropriate governance of large-scale interventions that could influence Earth’s climate systems.
5. Methane mitigation: cows and agriculture, buildings and energy
   We’re targeting one of the most potent greenhouse gases driving global warming by identifying and scaling practical ways to reduce methane across the agricultural, waste, and energy sectors.
6. Financial markets for climate goals
   We’re studying how financial systems can be aligned with climate targets—to mobilize capital, manage risk, and drive low-carbon investment.
7. Just transitions, including human migration
   We’re informing efforts to ensure that climate action across sectors is advanced in ways that support dignity, justice, and opportunity—especially for those most affected by change, including climate refugees and displaced communities.