Bill Gates: Focus on Future Power Grids, Not Just Short-Term Climate Goals
Ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference, Bill Gates shared his views on climate technology. He emphasized the need to focus on technological innovations essential for building future power grids, rather than solely setting short-term targets. He highlighted the importance of cost reduction through innovation in key industries such as clean energy, cement, and vehicles.
Gates founded Breakthrough Energy, an investment firm focused on addressing climate change, in 2015. He pointed out that the world tends to overemphasize setting short-term emission targets and national emissions reporting, stressing the importance of investing in technology development for tangible emissions reduction.
Gates argued that international events like the UN Climate Conference should facilitate in-depth discussions on reducing emissions in key sectors. He stressed the need to move beyond simply setting and reporting targets and focus on finding concrete solutions that can bring about real change.
He criticized the fact that while countries are setting carbon emission reduction targets, investment in practical technology development remains insufficient. He emphasized the need for specific implementation plans and technology development roadmaps to achieve those targets.
Gates predicted that, in the long term, nuclear fission or fusion technology will become the most economical way to generate electricity. He is actively investing in nuclear fission and fusion-related companies through Breakthrough Energy Ventures.
He noted that China is investing more in fusion technology development than all other countries combined, anticipating a larger role for China in the future energy technology race. He projected that China's active investment and technology development efforts could reshape the future energy market.
Gates acknowledged that nuclear reactors will not be operational quickly enough to meet America's growing electricity demand. Therefore, he argued that in the short term, greater focus should be placed on developing and deploying other clean energy technologies.
He emphasized the importance of advancements in renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power, as well as the development of energy storage systems. He explained that these technologies can contribute to short-term carbon emissions reduction.
Gates revealed that he personally purchases carbon offset credits to offset his carbon emissions, spending approximately $9 million annually. This is part of his personal commitment to addressing climate change.
He explained that while purchasing carbon offset credits is not a direct solution for reducing carbon emissions, it contributes to raising awareness about climate change and promoting related technology development. He urged more businesses and individuals to participate in carbon offsetting.
While highly valuing the long-term potential of fusion energy, Gates emphasized the importance of investing in technology development and international cooperation to achieve short-term goals. He argued that a combination of realistic goal-setting and practical action is needed to address climate change.
He urged for stronger cooperation among governments, businesses, and research institutions to accelerate the development and deployment of clean energy technologies. He particularly emphasized the importance of technology and financial assistance from developed countries to support developing countries' energy transitions.
Gates emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change, arguing that all countries must work towards common goals. He explained that it is crucial to bridge the technological gap between developed and developing countries and to support the energy transition in developing countries.
Gates's remarks are expected to contribute to discussions on climate technology innovation and the construction of future energy systems at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference. He urged the international community to cooperate more actively to solve the climate change problem.
