Political instability in oil-producing regions, together with geological uncertainties about supply— compounded by increasing demand for fuels by the world’s emerging economies—gives new urgency to the development of sustainable energy sources. In response, faculty members are investigating the use of plant materials (or biomass), hydrogen and other types of fuel cells, improved efficiency of internal combustion engines, pollution abatement, and other subjects that could help clean up the earth. Cornell is making fundamental contributions to the discovery, development, and implementation of alternative energy sources and to the sustainability of the environment.