We hear about how climate change will increase sea levels, droughts, and major storms. We read case studies in our textbooks about climate-related events, we see pictures of flooding and drought in other countries. But then you talk to Dr. Ruth Magreta. Dr. Magreta researches more efficient and effective agricultural practices for rural farmers in Malawi. For these farmers, if they do not grow enough food, they do not have enough money to send their children to school, or, in extreme conditions, they do not have enough money or food to eat. This was the environment that surround Dr. Magreta in her early life.

It is one thing to hear about how bad climate change is, and hear about how x number of people were injured or died from some climate-related event. It’s a completely different story to talk to someone who tells you that when there is no rain, (which happens more and more due to our changing climate) there is drought, and if there is drought then there is less food. And if there is less food, then some people will starve. And when some people starve, then sometimes your closest childhood friends will die. This is the story that Dr. Magreta told at her Rose cafe last week, and elaborated on at the dinner conversation. There is no textbook or professor that can quite show you the heartbreaking effects of climate change without first introducing you to the grief felt by someone directly effected.