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

🏡 Microgrids in London’s social housing

Microgrids are being installed on the roofs of social housing estates in London. While previously, these kinds of community solar projects could only be used to power communal areas or sell energy to the grid, a change in regulation now means that residents – many of whom are vulnerable – will feel the benefits in their own pockets. The panels will also boost climate resilience, giving communities access to power even if the grid goes down.

🪱 Digging up dirt

Part of the practice of regenerative agriculture involves look at the world through a microscope, because the soil’s health depends on the health of the tiny bacteria, fungi, and animals in the earth beneath our feet. One approach to bringing back healthy soil ecosystems involves using sacks of nutrient-rich compost like ‘giant teabags’ in the earth. While not yet scientifically proven, these kinds of techniques are being harnessed by farmers who are recognising the urgency of restoring the land rather than depleting it.

🪭 Cement that cools 

As temperatures continue to rise, the fact that our buildings are often hotter than outside is a problem. But researchers from China’s Southeast University have developed a new form of cement that brings temperatures down a few degrees by reflecting sunlight and directing heat all the way into space. As well as helping us cut down on energy-hungry AC, this will reduce the highly emitting process of producing cement by as much as 25%.

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