Bill Gates is an independent thinker, regardless of his Windows programs participating in some carbon-negative decisions by others unknown to him. He has also made a pile of money he seems determined to give away without needing a squad of stakeholders to help him maintain his position. Therefore, when Bill Gates calls shots about climate change we should thoughtfully consider what he says.
Bill Gates Calls Shots on World Economic Forum Website
Bill Gates posted a thought piece on May 21, 2019. He welcomed progress with wind and solar which is “expanding around the globe at record rates”. However, he wants us to do more to speed the transition from fossil fuels. He sees “a future of reliable and affordable carbon-free electricity” waiting in the wings.
Although electricity generation is responsible for 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions, it is part of a greater tomorrow. Green energy could unlock a carbon-free future empowering the other 75% of emitters to change their ways. Hence why Bill Gates calls shots reverberating through transport, construction, and manufacturing.
Bill Gates on the Pressing Need for Climate Innovators
What it Takes to Reach Zero Carbon Status
Zero carbon status is a tipping point where we add no more carbon than Earth’s systems can process. Bill Gates sees two challenges preventing this. The first of these involves rolling out more carbon-free, renewable generation.
The second is more complex, he warns. We need new technologies that permit us to supply electricity to the grid 24/7. This means when the wind does not blow and the sun does not shine, and after sunset when darkness falls. We must stop relying on fossil fuels as backstop during these times, Bill Gates demands.
Therefore, we need better batteries, more energy storage, more hydro, more carbon capture and longer transmission lines reaching out to green energy sources. Bill Gates calls shots that ring true, let’s hope the world superpowers hear him.
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