Overview
- In a new memo, Gates argues the world should prioritize reducing poverty and disease over near-term emissions targets, saying climate change will not cause humanity's demise.
- He says innovation and improved emissions projections justify focusing on human welfare while continuing to support clean-tech breakthroughs.
- Climate scientists and public-health experts reject the framing, citing research such as the Lancet’s findings that climate impacts are already driving serious health harms.
- Climate-tech entrepreneurs and some investors welcome the essay’s optimism, describing it as a move away from a doomer outlook and toward opportunity and innovation.
- A Gates spokesperson says the stance is consistent with his past views, as policy voices debate whether climate finance actually competes with development budgets ahead of COP30.