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

🤖 Blending citizen science and AI 

The work of citizen scientists – everyday people who record observations of nature, often using smartphones – is being amplified by AI, meaning data from all over the world is getting to scientists’ desks faster.  AI allows masses of information to be processed much faster, and can detect patterns that human eyes might miss. For instance, AI is being trained to spot signs of flagging river health in volunteers’ photos, and create interactive maps of pollution. AI-powered apps can also support instant species recognition, so scientists can track biodiversity and migration patterns through people’s uploads to apps like iNaturalist.

🦫 Bringing back beavers

Since beavers started being reintroduced to tribal lands in California in 2023, wetlands are thriving with wildlife. Beavers presence means that water quality is better and there’s more of it, which combats drought, increases fish populations, and reduces the risk of wildfires. The animals are finally shaking off their bad reputation for causing havoc for humans, and their deliberate return is happening in many states, amid the recognition that they can help restore entire watersheds. 

⚖️ Taking Trump to court

A group of young climate activists age 7–25 are heading to court to attempt to stop Trump’s anti-environment executive orders in their tracks. These executive orders would give fossil fuel companies free reign, which the young people are claiming are an unconstitutional attack on their right to life.

💌 Enjoying the newsletter? Share it with a friend who could use some good news.

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