Soil acts as a carbon sink in the global carbon cycle because it locks away decomposed organic matter. But deforestation, various agricultural practices, and a changing climate are releasing it back into the atmosphere and oceans as carbon dioxide, resulting in an imbalance in global carbon budgets. MONGABAY

We’ve starved our public-health sector. The Costa Rica model demonstrates what happens when you put it first. THE NEW YORKER

Reintroducing the big cats could control deer numbers and enrich ecosystems but farmers and the public need reassurance, say experts. THE GUARDIAN

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has announced a major breakthrough in nuclear fusion, using powerful lasers to produce 1.3 megajoules of energy – about 3% of the energy contained in 1kg of crude oil. Nuclear fusion has long been thought of as the energy of the future – an “infinite” source of power that does not rely on the need to burn carbon. But after decades of research, it has yet to deliver on its exciting promise. How much closer does this new breakthrough bring us to the desired results? THE CONVERSATION

The UK’s NHS is trialling a new approach to tackling physical and mental health issues: ask what really matters. WIRED

From the Bank of England to the People’s Bank of China, monetary authorities of the world’s largest economies are gauging how climate change could rock the financial system. Though long committed to being “market neutral,” some are even starting to push greener investments. YALE ENVIRONMENT 360

Untreated sewage leads to poor sanitation and disease around the world. Its effects are felt strongly in India, and Bangalore resident Tharun Kumar turned to cows for a solution. With help from the Biomimicry Institute, he has designed and built 50 sustainable sewage plants that work in a similar way to a cow’s stomach. The system has no moving parts, so doesn't require any power or people to operate it. BBC NEWS

In parts of Europe, plans to replenish the "necrobiome" may benefit wildlife from golden eagles and wolverines, to copious plants, fungi and insects. BBC FUTURE PLANET

In the Bolivian Andes, the low-water growing practices used by Mayans and Aztecs are making a comeback. REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

The landmark IPCC assessment was dire. But it shows that by slashing methane emissions, humanity can make rapid progress in fighting climate change. WIRED

Rewilding on marginal land could bolster employment without halting traditional agricultural activities, data shows. THE GUARDIAN

How a landscape architect is enlisting nature to defend our coastal cities against climate change—and doing it on the cheap. THE NEW YORKER

Nearly three quarters of the population of Sierra Leone struggle to get access to electricity, but a device that harnesses the power of vibrations is bringing light to communities in energy poverty. BBC FUTURE

About 200 people camping out on Venice beach were given a place to stay through a ‘housing-first’ approach. Community groups and entrepreneurs along the boardwalk pushed the city government to clear up the beach to attract more business. Temporary housing in hotels has been provided until October. LOS ANGELES TIMES

As growing parts of the world grapple with unprecedented heatwaves, cities are on the frontline of efforts to keep people safe. THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION

Rather than focus on decline, the new standard from the IUCN highlights successful conservation work—and incentivises future efforts. THE WASHINGTON POST

With the era of building big dams over in the U.S., a growing number of existing dams are being modified to produce hydropower. These projects, advocates say, avoid the damaging impacts of new dams and could generate enough renewable electricity for several million homes. YALE ENVIRONMENT 360

India’s rice farmers look to an ancient crop to prepare for a flood-prone tomorrow. HAKAI MAGAZINE

Even if you include the emissions from the battery and charging it with dirty energy, an EV has a smaller footprint than a gas-powered car. FAST COMPANY

Right now, protection against Covid-19 comes via an injection. But in future, those vaccines could come from inhalers or even pills. BBC NEWS