Our lab works broadly on biogeochemistry and ecosystem science, applied to a wide variety of both theoretical and practical questions. We enjoy trying to understand some of nature's complexity, and we believe strongly in applying objective science to sustaining the biosphere and human society. Our research encompasses a wide range of spatial scales, from microbial to ecosystem, regional, and global. Our research includes a broad range of inter-connected topical areas, illustrated below. Note that much of our research and many of our papers fall into two or more of these categories. Click on a topic to further explore research in the Howarth-Marino lab.
Recent News
2015
CCTV interview available online
CCTV America interview with Bob about the dangers that methane emissions pose to the planet.
2014
Fracking Banned in NY State!
Today Governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration made the announcement that it will ban hydraulic fracturing in New York state. Read the responses from three Cornell professors, including Bob Howarth, here.
2014
Podcast on Climate Change Impacts
Bob was interviewed recently as part of WVBR's series Talk of the Town. He talked about climate change and its impact on the future of our society. Click here to access the audio.
2014
Op Ed on methane & climate in The Hill
Bob recently had an op ed published by The Hill, a top US political website, titled Climate change, Obama, and methane".
2014
New Ecology Textbook Released
The 2014 Wiley Textbook "Essentials of Ecology", 4th edition, by Begon, Howarth, and Townsend is now available both online and in print. The table of contents and other information about the volume and how to purchase can be found on Wiley's website.
2014
Review of EPA Power Plant Plan
Download Robert Howarth's statement on the EPA Draft Plan Released June 2, 2014 on “Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units” (RIN 2060-AR3) from this link.
2014
Updated methane emissions review
Our paper has been published in Energy Science & Engineering which reviews the research on methane emissions from natural gas systems conducted since 2011 in the context of our 2011 paper and the fifth assessment from the IPCC, released in 2013. You can download the final version of this paper at this link.
Recent Publications
Gao et al, 2015. Enhanced N input to Lake Dianchi Basin from 1980 to 2010: Drivers and consequences. Science of the Total Environment.
Swaney et al, 2014. Net Anthropogenic Nitrogen Inputs and Nitrogen Fluxes from Indian Watersheds: An Initial Assessment. Journal of Marine Systems.
Howarth 2014. A bridge to nowhere: Methane emissions and the greenhouse gas footprint of natural gas. Energy Science & Engineering.
2014 Report by the International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Assessing global land use: Balancing consumption with sustainable supply. You can also download the summary here or visit the UNEP website for other related documents.
Caulton et al, 2014. Toward a better understanding and quantification of methane emissions from shale gas development. PNAS.
Howarth et al, 2013. Metabolism of a nitrogen-enriched coastal marine lagoon during the summertime. Biogeochemistry.
Hayn et al, 2013. Exchange of nitrogen and phosphorus between a shallow lagoon and coastal waters. Estuaries & Coasts.
Jacobson et al, 2013. Examining the feasibility of converting New York States all-purpose energy infrastructure to one using wind, water, and sunlight. Energy Policy.