Overview
- Bill Gates argues climate change is serious but not civilization-ending and says progress should be judged by human welfare rather than global temperature.
- He will skip COP30 in Belém and calls on leaders to redirect limited funds toward health systems, poverty reduction, and resilience in low-income countries.
- The memo lays out three “tough truths,” including that health and prosperity are the strongest defenses, and he says he would accept a 0.1°C rise to eradicate malaria.
- He cites International Energy Agency projections showing 2040 emissions forecasts have fallen substantially and credits innovation that is lowering the Green Premium.
- He warns development aid is shrinking, noting Gavi expects about 25% less funding, while scientists and development experts criticize his framing as a false choice between mitigation and poverty reduction.