Gates Urges Strategic Pivot on Climate

On his 70th birthday Bill Gates published a lengthy memo pushing back against a “doomsday” view of climate change, saying it will have serious consequences but “will not lead to humanity’s demise.” He urged a strategic pivot away from an exclusive focus on near‑term emissions targets toward prioritizing adaptation, health, agriculture and economic development to prevent suffering in the world’s poorest countries. Gates defended his climate record, citing carbon offsets and billions invested through Breakthrough Energy and in technologies such as advanced nuclear, and argued that innovation and lowering clean‑energy costs should be central to progress. The essay was released ahead of COP30 (which he will not attend) and accompanies organizational moves including Breakthrough Energy trimming staff and plans to wind down parts of the Gates Foundation. Critics say his framing downplays severe scientific risks like tipping points and ecosystem collapse, while Gates maintains climate remains important even as he pushes a more pragmatic, people‑centered approach.