Bill Gates believes that climate change is serious, but it will not lead to the end of civilization. He proposes a focus on combating poverty and diseases.

Bill Gates emphasized that, although climate change represents a serious problem, it will not lead to the end of civilization. In a recent memo, he suggests a change of strategy in the global fight against climate change, proposing that the priority should be to prevent suffering, especially in the poorest countries. Gates states that resources are being diverted towards short-term goals, such as reducing emissions, instead of focusing on innovations that can improve people's lives. He believes that if he had to choose between eradicating malaria and a 0.1 degree increase in temperature, he would opt for eradicating the disease.

Gates, who dedicates most of his time to his foundation's initiatives, wrote this memo to influence the UN climate change conference in Brazil. Although many climate experts argue that every fraction of a degree matters, Gates emphasizes the importance of human health and development. Criticism of his memo suggests that a choice should not have to be made between reducing poverty and climate transformation, both of which are achievable. Gates remains optimistic about innovations in clean energy but warns that aid for developing countries is decreasing, complicating adaptation to climate change.