Overview
- In a Gates Notes memo, Gates argues climate change will not lead to humanity’s demise and urges prioritizing poverty, health, adaptation and targeted innovation over near-term emissions targets.
- He cites falling emissions projections and says advancing key technologies such as cleaner heavy industry and advanced nuclear can drive further decarbonization.
- Climate scientists and policy experts criticize the approach as a false trade-off, pointing to current harms and events like Hurricane Melissa and to research linking climate impacts to worsening health and poverty.
- Climate-tech investors and some commentators welcome the pro-innovation, welfare-first tone, and Time reports President Donald Trump praised the memo.
- A spokesperson says Gates’s stance is unchanged and builds on prior views as debate intensifies ahead of COP30, with uncertainty over whether summit priorities will shift toward adaptation and development.