Bill Gates Urges Shift in Climate Focus, Bets Big on AI and Nuclear Energy
Published on October 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Bill Gates recently outlined his views on climate technology, advocating for a shift in focus from near-term emissions goals to long-term innovation in key sectors. Gates, who has invested heavily in climate tech through Breakthrough Energy since 2015, believes global discussions should prioritize reducing emissions in industries like energy, steel, and cement production.
Gates emphasized the importance of innovation to drive down the cost of clean energy alternatives. He sees nuclear fission and fusion as the most likely long-term solutions for electricity generation, though he acknowledges that reactors won't be online quickly enough to meet immediate demand. He also noted China's significant investments in fusion energy.
While Gates invests in carbon offsets to mitigate his personal emissions, he expressed skepticism about the current state of carbon removal technologies, deeming many a "complete dead end" due to high costs.
He is highly optimistic about the role of AI in accelerating innovation across various fields, including climate tech. Gates believes AI can dramatically improve the speed and efficiency of research and development in areas like material science and catalysts, benefiting Breakthrough Energy's portfolio companies.