On his 70th birthday, Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates pushed back against what he called the “doomsday view” of climate change, arguing that while global warming is a serious threat, it is not the apocalyptic force some portray it to be. In a blog post published on Tuesday, Gates called for a more balanced, innovation-driven approach to climate action.
The Microsoft co-founder acknowledged the real and growing risks of climate change, especially for the world’s poorest populations, but rejected the idea that it will lead to civilisation’s collapse. “Although climate change will have serious consequences… it will not lead to humanity’s demise,” he wrote. “People will be able to live and thrive in most places on Earth for the foreseeable future.”
Gates pointed to declining emissions projections and the potential of innovation to drive further reductions. But, he warned that the current climate discourse is overly focused on short-term emissions targets, which he believes diverts attention from more impactful, long-term solutions.
‘Preventing suffering should be the goal’
Gates urged policymakers and climate advocates to prioritise adaptation and human development, especially in the lead-up to the COP30 summit in Brazil next month. “Our chief goal should be to prevent suffering, particularly for those in the toughest conditions who live in the world’s poorest countries,” he said.
He argued that poverty and disease remain more immediate threats to billions of people than climate change, and that limited resources should be directed toward interventions that improve lives in a warming world.
Backing innovation over alarmism
Gates defended his own climate record, noting that he offsets his carbon footprint and has invested billions in clean energy innovation. He co-founded Breakthrough Energy in 2015, which has since supported over 150 companies working on climate solutions.
“Every tenth of a degree of heating that we prevent is hugely beneficial,” he wrote. “A stable climate makes it easier to improve people’s lives.”
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