Weekly Solarpunk, of 31 May: Solar Siting Backlash, Air-to-Water Material, Cheaper Lithium Extraction, Beaver Flood Control

Weekly Solarpunk for 31 May follows 6 future-facing stories and member reactions, including Solar Siting Backlash, Air-to-Water Material, Cheaper Lithium Extraction, Beaver Flood Control. 1. Solar Siting Backlash A study reported in Electrek says most large US solar projects do not trigger the backlash people often expect. According to the writeup on a UMass Amherst study, opposition seems less widespread than the loudest local fights suggest, though the result still depends on where projects are built and who benefits. Source link 2. Air-to-Water Material A water-harvesting material drew attention because it can pull moisture from air without electricity, then release that water when warmed by sunlight or low-grade heat. According to the paper linked in the post, the material is a zirconium-based metal-organic framework, and commenters noted that the metal is relatively common. Source link 3. Cheaper Lithium Extraction MIT researchers reported a low-cost way to pull lithium out of rock, a process that could make a key battery material easier to obtain. According to MIT, the method centers on aqueous ammonium fluoride, which is part of why readers immediately focused on handling, safety, and whether the chemistry is practical outside a lab. Source link 4. Beaver Flood Control Britain is trying to use beavers as a flood-control tool as heavier rains keep overwhelming rivers and drainage systems. According to NPR, the idea is to let beavers and their dams slow water, spread it into wetlands, and reduce downstream flood peaks. Source link 5. Philippines Rooftop Solar A new analysis says rooftop solar in the Philippines is moving from niche to practical fast enough to help ease the country’s power emergency. According to Ember, rising electricity prices and falling equipment costs have cut the payback period for a residential system to about 3.1 years, while estimated rooftop capacity has nearly doubled from 721 MW in early 2025 to around 1,300 MW by early 2026. Source link 6. Rooftop Intensive Care A London hospital has opened what appears to be the UK’s first rooftop intensive care ward, putting critically ill patients outdoors without disconnecting them from life-support treatment. According to the BBC, King’s College Hospital built the ward with space for a handful of beds, weatherproof medical equipment, and planted garden areas so patients can get fresh air and daylight while still being monitored. Source link That's it for today.