Summary

Chapter 11, "Better Things for Better Living," explores the concept of genetic modification and its implications for addressing climate change. Funk discusses the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is a primary breeder of dengue fever. The mosquitoes lay eggs in pools of rainwater left outdoors. When people fail to clean up clogged gutters, it creates a habitat for them. Dengue fever is difficult to control and there is no vaccine. It causes thousands of deaths each year. The problem spread to the United States in recent years, particularly in very hot areas like South Florida. A British company called Oxitec has developed a genetically modified mosquito that breeds with the Aedes, carrying a suicide gene that eventually kills them. Other methods of eradicating deadly mosquitoes are mentioned, too.

The chapter shares about the involvement of financial giants. In particular, the Gates...