Overview
- In an Oct. 28 memo, Gates wrote that climate change will have serious impacts but “will not lead to humanity’s demise,” and he said he will not attend COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
- He argues the focus should move from near‑term emissions targets to investments in health systems, agriculture, economic development and climate resilience for vulnerable populations.
- Gates cites progress and technology gains, noting 2040 emissions projections have fallen from about 50 billion to 30 billion tons, and he urges driving the Green Premium to zero across sectors like cement, steel and jet fuel.
- The memo lands as Breakthrough Energy has cut its policy staff and the Gates Foundation plans a gradual wind‑down, with Gates highlighting shrinking development budgets, including a 25% funding drop at vaccine buyer Gavi.
- Climate experts including Rachel Cleetus and Michael Oppenheimer criticized the framing as a false choice that could undercut mitigation, while Gates acknowledged scrutiny of his personal emissions and said he uses verified carbon credits to offset them.