Summary

Cornell researchers are exploring the looming challenges of a changing climate and developing new resources to reduce the human “carbon footprint” adding to greenhouse gas emissions. Multidisciplinary researchers, educators, and extension faculty– from plant biologists to economists to climatologists– are engaged in three vital areas of exploration for the well-being of future generations

The Issue

In the past decade, CALS’ researchers have focused on identifying and quantifying the level of climatic disruption caused by heat-trapping greenhouse gasses and the early, measurable impact on weather patterns, geographic bioregions, and living creatures. Now, researchers are exploring the looming challenges and developing new resources to reduce the human “carbon footprint” adding to greenhouse gas emissions. Multidisciplinary researchers, educators, and extension faculty– from plant biologists to economists to climatologists– are engaged in three vital areas of exploration for the well-being of future generations:

• Climate science: quantifying the current trend and predicting future impact
• Adaptation: moderating expected damage and identifying potential opportunities
• Mitigation: reducing the human “carbon” footprint to slow the pace of climate change

Climate Science: Quantifying the Current Trend and Predicting Future Impact

The Living World

Cornell researchers have been at the forefront in documenting climate change and its impact in the living world, from the Yunnan Province of China to the deep Caribbean seas to New York’s peaks and valleys. In New York, researchers documented an advance in spring bloom dates of four to eight days since the 1960s for lilacs, grapes, and apples. Cornell climatologists’ research shows that winters have warmed in our region by more than four degrees since 1970 and could rise another seven to 12 degrees this century, if current trends persist. Cornell researchers have been involved in a comprehensive “Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment” that details potential impacts on crops, dairy, forests, and invasive pest species for the region. (David Wolfe, Horticulture; Art DeGaetano, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS); Larry Chase, Animal Science; Christine Goodale, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB); Curt Petzoldt and Abby Seaman, New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYS IPM); report available at: www.climatechoices.org)

Watersheds

Results of groundbreaking research on the sources of harmful nitrogen in the Chesapeake Bay watershed uncovered previously unrecognized sources of pollution in coastal water systems. The findings predict that wetter and warmer climate conditions will undermine current management efforts to reduce nitrogen pollution in the bay. Cornell’s North American Nitrogen Center is a leading source of research into problems and solutions for watershed management in the Northeast. (Robert Howarth, EEB www.eeb.cornell.edy/biogeo/nanc/nanc.html)

Bogs and Peat Lands

CALS biologists are studying plant ecosystems, such as northern peat lands, which are the largest natural sources of atmospheric methane, a heat-trapping gas 21-times more potent than carbon dioxide. In one study, CALS researchers recently succeeded in culturing indigenous methane-producing microbes (methanogens) from peat bogs for the first time. These organisms, and their recently determined genome sequences, will help scientists break into the “black box” of conversion of organic matter to methane in peat, and improve predictions on the effects of climate change on atmospheric methane levels. (Stephen Zinder, Microbiology; Joseph Yavitt, Natural Resources)

Agriculture and Weather

New York farmers rely on Cornell research to make crucial decisions about controlling pests, applying fertilizer and optimal planting and harvesting times. The Cornell Computational Agricultural Project is currently compiling daily weather data and using complex computing tools to create a user- friendly website and database for farmers to help them make critical decisions as they adapt to the changing environment. Examples include decisions regarding nitrogen fertilizer management and strategic timing of capital investments for adaptation to climate change, such as new irrigation systems, or improved cooling capacity for livestock facilities. Cornell’s Northeast Regional Climate Center, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), gives farmers up-to-date weather forecasts, pest management strategies, current research, and other important data and information. (Art DeGaetano, EAS; David Wolfe, Horticulture; Harold van Es, Crop and Soil Science (CSS)

Oceans

CALS researchers analyzing marine ecosystems in the Atlantic have made breakthroughs in identifying climate variability that impacts marine ecosystems from the Labrador Sea to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Using 50 years of data, they have created predictive models that will help commercial fisheries and also guide public officials in designing effective plans for populations of exploited and protected cetacean species in the Atlantic. Cornell researchers were among the first to sound the warning bell about the threatening impact of Arctic climate change on marine living systems along the Eastern Seaboard of North America. (Charles Greene, EAS)

Satellite Remote Sensing

During the past eight years, the Cornell summer program in satellite remote sensing in biological oceanography has trained more than 100 participants, including undergraduates, graduate students, and postgraduate professionals from around the world. A premier training program, it uses an interdisciplinary earth-system science approach for space-based observation of climate change on our planet. Ocean ecosystems play a vital role in the global carbon cycle and are an important component of current global climate-change research. (Bruce Monger, EAS)

Adaptation: Understanding How the World Will Respond to a Warmer Future, Moderating the Damage, and Exploring Opportunities

Pests

CALS integrated pest management specialists say certain crop pests are arriving weeks earlier than they used to. Scientists are studying the worrisome prospect of potential over wintering by some pest species that normally die out during the colder months. (Curt Petzoldt, NYS IPM)

Swallows

Large-scale analysis of tree swallow reproductive patterns across America has shown significant advances in egg-laying dates that correlate strongly with changes in spring temperatures. Ongoing detailed studies of tree swallows in Ithaca, New York, will yield a new understanding of the effects of temperature and climate change on the birds and the aerial insect populations upon which they depend. These detailed studies are being complemented by a broad pan- American comparative study of swallow-breeding biology and insect populations. The standardized research on birds and insects will add dramatically to the understanding of the global scale and pattern of responses to climate change. These studies will allow us to make better predictions about how environmental changes will affect animal populations in the future. (D.W. Winkler, EEB)

Caribbean Coral

Marine scientists have identified and analyzed the warming-induced incidence of fatal coral disease in the Caribbean and Australia using a combination of remote sensing and in-the-water surveys. This is part of a global project funded by the World Bank on coral reef sustainability. Caribbean gorgonian sea fan corals were less likely to die during a recent lethal warming event in the Caribbean than other species. Research into their immune adaptability may provide insight into new mechanisms of resilience of corals. (C. Drew Harvell, EEB)

Crops

Scientists have studied the productivity of crop plants and how plants respond to changes in temperature. Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, researchers are revealing the molecular mechanisms by which plant growth and its defense responses are modulated by temperature variations. This research will ultimately generate tools to enhance plants’ adaptation to temperature variations and improve yields and distribution of agricultural plants. (J. Hua, Plant Biology; David Wolfe, Horticulture)

Human Health

Cornell scientists are examining new insect vectors of human disease. One study looked at the influence of climate on mosquito populations that transmit diseases to humans, such as West Nile Virus (WNV). The three-year project involved medical entomologists, climatologists, social scientists, risk analysts, and state and local government officials. Results led to specific recommendations for reducing common breeding grounds for mosquitoes in response to the WNV threat. The recommendations include simple procedures, for example, clearing ditches and removing potential breeding spots, such as old tires and bird baths, that hold brackish, standing water. (Laura Harrington, Entomology)

Mitigation: Proactive Strategies for the Public and Private Sectors

Energy

Global climate change is spurring the development of energy from biofuels, wind, solar, solid waste, and other renewable energies to replace some of the carbon-heavy sources, especially oil and coal. Cornell is a leader in biofuels research, currently conducting trials across New York to develop the best and most efficient mix of grasses, and other biomass for energy production in New York and the Northeast region. In partnership with the Northeast Sun Grant Institute of Excellence, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, private companies, and the New York Farm Viability Institute, Cornell is involved at all levels of biofuels research, from nanotechnology to cellular biology to bioengineering to economics. The goals are to find the right products for New York, reduce the cost of producing biofuels, create environmentally sustainable energy systems and develop viable ag businesses for New York’s 1.5 million acres of idle agricultural lands. (Donald Viands, Plant Breeding and Genetics; Jerome Cherney, CSS; Steven DeGloria, CSS; Jeffrey Melkonian, CSS; Larry Walker, Biological and Environmental Engineering (BEE); Jocelyn Rose, Plant Biology; Todd Schmit, Applied Economics and Management (AEM) www.nesungrant.cornell.edu )

Biochar

Using a form of carbon recapture called ‘biochar’ or biosequestration, a Cornell scientist has shown how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by turning biomass into a carbon-negative energy with the potential to sequester about 10 percent of the annual United States fossil fuel emissions of 1.6 billion tons of carbon. (C.J. Lehmann, CSS)

Sustainable Land Use

Cornell researchers are developing a comprehensive and sustainable framework for land use and management decisions in biofuels production. Poorly planned management of land for biofuels production will almost certainly lead to rapid degradation of state soil resources. Organic matter depletion and loss of essential plant nutrients from soils will lead to increased inputs over time, which will not only reduce profitability, but will also move fossil fuel use and the greenhouse gas budget in the wrong direction. Cornell is unique in having the broad range of expertise to tackle this problem, from molecular geneticists who improve crop recycling of nutrients, to crop and soil scientists who monitor soil health and develop crop management strategies, to ecologists and resource economists who develop landscape-scale environmental and economic analyses and management plans. (David Wolfe, Horticulture)

Managing Manure

Cornell has pioneered the process of anaerobic digestion, which creates energy from dairy manure with a system of combined heat and power (CHP). Anaerobic digestion produces a biogas that has numerous applications, including the potential for injection into natural gas pipelines. Backed by Cornell research and NYSERDA funding, more than 30 farms in New York state are utilizing anaerobic digesters to meet some of their own energy needs, while reducing pollutants and waste products. One study showed that a dairy farm with an 800-cow herd could, with an anaerobic digester, produce enough electricity to save 20 to 50 percent of purchased electricity. Cornell’s popular online resource for manure management is: www.manuremangement.cornell.edu (Norman Scott, BEE; Jean Bonhotal, CSS)

Water Supply

The increased frequency and magnitude of floods and droughts, combined with deteriorating water quality, are having critical impacts nationally and worldwide. These changes have been linked, in part, to excessive storm water runoff caused by poor landscape management that results in impervious surfaces, deforestation, and soil compaction. With more intense rainfall, drainage into water systems could become even more problematic. Cornell researchers have developed ways to manage road-drainage systems to reduce pollution-causing runoff into water supplies. The New York State Water Resources Institute at Cornell is focusing on climate change issues in support of the public, water suppliers, businesses, and governments. (Susan Riha, EAS; Rebecca Schneider, Natural Resources) http://wri.eas.cornell.edu

Tree Power

Another project shows how the fossil fuels can be partly offset by the net uptake of carbon into trees and soil, particularly in forests growing on abandoned farmland. The research will determine how past agricultural use has affected past and present rates of net carbon accumulation and productivity to guide future development of forest lands. Cornell researchers and extension educators are involved in tree planting in New York City and throughout the state to provide carbon offset and improve air quality, potentially improving public health. (Nina Bassuk, Horticulture; C.L. Goodale, EEB)

Models for Change

Creating new development strategies for counties and municipalities in New York is a priority of CALS researchers. One recent study in Tompkins County showed how the county could reduce its net carbon footprint by 70 percent through a combination of conservation, forest management, and alternative energy. A project is underway to develop similar models for uses in other counties throughout the Northeast in different bioregions. Cornell is also working with the New York Botanical Garden to develop strategies for gardeners and urban landscapers to adapt to climate change and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. (Tim Fahey, Natural Resources; David Wolfe, Horticulture)

Emerging Local Energy Systems

An energy steering committee formed by the town board in Fabius, New York is developing a proposed energy plan for the community in an effort to create opportunities for individuals and organizations to implement energy- saving initiatives and create renewable-energy business opportunities. Cornell faculty, students and extension educators involved in the project believe the blueprint for this rural community could be developed as a model for other towns and counties to enhance energy sustainability and increase economic vitality. (Chuck Kyle, Bobbie Harrison, CCE, Onondaga County)

Involved Residents

Residential conservation is a critical component in reducing the human carbon footprint. Cornell scientists say two-thirds of residential energy use could be saved without the advent of any new technology. Extension educators have presented workshops for residents and small businesses throughout the state, teaching user-friendly methods to save energy and leading the state’s conservation effort at the personal level. (Joe Laquatra, Design and Environmental Analysis) http://www.cce.cornell.edu/programs/housing/NYSERDA

Education

CALS researchers have developed timely and understandable information and educational materials related to environmental issues for K-12 earth science teachers to educate students and the public to encourage informed decisions on funding and policy needs. CALS scientists also led the development of a website for agriculture educators and farmers regarding climate change issues. (Mark Wysocki, EAS; David Wolfe, Horticulture; Art DeGaetano, EAS; John Duxbury, CSS; Larry Chase, Animal Science; Curt Petzoldt and Abby Seaman, NYS IPM; www.climateandfarming.org)

Communication

Researchers and graduate students in the Department of Communication are studying the most effective ways to communicate information about global climate change to the general public. (Geraldine Gay, Communication)

Economic Development

Cornell provides scientific and technical contributions to publicly enhance economic development and multiply the effects of research. CCE efforts in New York City are a key supporting element for Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s new PlaNYC, a “30 by 30 Plan” that aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions 30 percent by 2030. (John Nettleton, CCE, NYC)

The Cornell Model

CALS researchers helped Cornell become a model of university sustainability. Cornell is on track to soon exceed its commitment to reduce greenhouse gases to seven percent below 1990 levels by 2012. The 2000 Lake Source Cooling project has reduced campus-cooling energy needs by 86 percent. Cornell’s co-generation plant for both heat and power requires half the fuel of a conventional plant and will provide 30,000 kilowatts of high-efficiency electricity and heat generation to the central heating plant by 2009. The Fall Creek Hydropower Plant produces two percent of the university’s energy needs. Cornell’s Transportation Demand Management Program has reduced single-occupancy vehicle use on campus by 10 million miles a year.

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Contact

Michael Hoffmann, Director

Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
240 Roberts Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-5905

Phone: 607-255-2552