The missing piece in climate action (it's not what you think) | Yi Li

Yi Li, climate entrepreneur and co-founder of FarmWorks, discusses the critical role of financial viability in achieving sustainable climate impact, recounting her initial mission to build climate-smart farms across Kenya. She highlights the challenges faced when focusing solely on climate solutions without considering market dynamics, such as unsold produce due to logistical issues. Li shares her experience immersing herself in Kenya's wholesale market to understand pricing and demand, which led to partnering with local farmers and providing them with a reliable income. This approach incentivized farmers to invest in better practices and equipment, demonstrating that economic empowerment is more effective than simply providing knowledge. Ultimately, Li argues that economically viable solutions are essential for creating lasting climate impact, enabling communities to prosper and care for their environment.