How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need

Because everything Gates has discussed so far will take time to develop and implement, he focuses in this chapter on what we can do to adapt to the effects of climate change. He begins with the story of the Talam family in Kenya, whom he met through his foundation work. They had a small farm, on which they grew corn and raised one cow. The family of five used the cow’s milk and set aside a small amount to sell locally. Then a plant opened nearby that kept their milk cold, which allowed them to sell it around the country for higher prices. The plant also provided them with training, and soon the Talams were able to buy three more cows, dramatically increasing their income and opportunities for their children.

Here, Gates notes that an earlier chapter named cattle as the livestock that contribute most to climate change. However, he emphasizes that the Talams did what anyone in their position would do and that we should view their story only as a success. Certainly, climate change will begin to affect farmers like them in Africa and other places: Floods and droughts will happen more often, soil will lose moisture as heat causes it to evaporate, and livestock like the Talams’ cows will produce less milk.