Here’s today’s stories of progress in the fight against climate change and nature loss.

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🍌 Puerto Rico’s grassroots food system change

When Puerto Rico was brought to the brink by Hurricane Maria, there were widespread food shortages as aid was slow or nonexistent to arrive. Now, recognising they can’t rely on the government for help, people are cooking up their own solutions, with food cooperatives, community gardens, and mutual-aid kitchens emerging to fill the gap. As well as helping them prepare for the next climate disaster, it shows a model for resilience and food sovereignty that other regions with broken food systems could learn a lot from. 

🦬 The perks of bringing back bison

A study of the 5,000 bison in Yellowstone National Park – a paltry number compared to the herds that used to roam hundreds of years ago – highlights the valuable role they play in restoring the ecosystem. Researchers spent six years tracking the creatures as they make their migrations, and found that their constant movement and grazing increases biodiversity, improves soil health, and boosts plant growth. 

🌳 Reversing wildfire contamination

As well as destroying homes, the LA fires left behind contaminated soil, in some cases with worryingly high levels of lead. Some residents are now attending workshops and attempting to detoxify their gardens with plants to help nature rebound. For instance, there’s evidence that buckwheat and bush sunflower can absorb lead, while biochar can capture metals and PFAS.

The Green Light is written by freelance writer Molly Millar.