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

🍄 The magic mushrooms that help trees grow

Underneath the forest floor lies the secret to successful reforestation: fungi. These subterranean mushrooms could be the key to regrowing Britain’s temperate rainforests, as by trading nutrients with trees, their presence accelerates their growth by 64%. Researchers are now beginning to map these fungi in order to understand their role in the ecosystem and harness their powers for reforestation.

🏭 Heat pumps in factories could save thousands of lives

Replacing boilers with heat pumps in factories could stop 33m asthma attacks and save 77,000 lives by 2050, a new study has found. The pollutants from conventional boilers can cause everything from respiratory problems to cancer, with lower-income communities disproportionately affected. On top of this, the swap would prevent $351bn in climate damages.

🥱 Avoiding AC with siestas

Britain was built for mild weather, but is facing a future of sweltering summers – so finding alternatives to energy-hungry AC is imperative. One way is by popularising passive cooling, including using blinds and shutters to block out the sun, painting buildings white, and planting trees for shade. But adapting behaviours to be more suitable for the weather is also important – from escaping the worst of the heat with an afternoon siesta, to making dinner plans later in the evening.

The Green Light is written by freelance climate writer Molly Millar.