Why we need to talk about money to save the planet with Yi Li and Brent Loken

This TED Tech episode explores the critical intersection of climate action and economic sustainability through the stories of Yi Li, CEO of Farmworks in Kenya, and food system scientist Brent Loken. Yi shares her journey from launching a high-tech, climate-smart farming initiative to realizing that even the most scientifically sound solutions fail without a viable economic model. Her pivot to focusing on profitability—by entering Nairobi's competitive wholesale market and guaranteeing farmers steady income—led to increased adoption of sustainable practices, proving that financial incentives drive real change. Brent Loken expands the vision, outlining a 'perfect farm' of the future: one that integrates high-tech monitoring, low-cost ecological practices, and regional adaptation to boost yields while protecting biodiversity and reducing emissions. Together, their insights reveal a powerful truth: saving the planet requires not just green technology, but systems that make sustainability profitable and accessible for farmers worldwide. The episode challenges the myth that profit and planet are enemies, arguing instead that economic viability is the foundation of lasting climate impact.