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

🦠 Why microbes matter

Scientists are turning their attention to saving an often overlooked organism: microbes. While they might not be quite as majestic as whales or as cute as pandas, microbes are pivotal for the survival of all species, including humans. For example, they store carbon; help crops grow; and maintain healthy coral reefs. So, the Microbial Conservation Specialist Group is charting hotspots of microbes and storing samples in vaults in order to save them from extinction.

🦡 The movement to turn the UK wild

A UK-based movement has set its sights on returning 20% of the country to nature. It’s inviting people to contribute to a ‘map of dreams’ that lays out the spots to be rewilded, such as gardens, schoolyards, churchyards, industrial estates, and farms. As the work of volunteers and community groups grows, and wild places across the country become connected, the country’s biodiversity will be given a vital chance to recover.

💨 A record-breaking wind farm is coming to the US

The biggest offshore wind farm in the US is scheduled to kick off operations six months from now. The 2.6-gigawatt project off the coast of Virginia will be powered by 176 wind turbines, and has already created 2,000 jobs. Much of the energy it creates will be supplied to Virginia’s data centres in order to meet heightened demand without creating more emissions.

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