News you need to know: Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has publicly acknowledged that the existential threats once attributed to climate change may be overstated.
Gates stated that the most pressing issues facing humanity today are poverty and disease, urging global leaders to prioritize health and living conditions over strict emission targets.
His comments, made in an open letter ahead of the COP30 climate summit, challenge the notion that climate change is an immediate catastrophe requiring drastic measures.
Instead, he pointed out that climate change will not lead to humanity’s demise, asserting that innovation in technology and policy can further reduce emissions without sacrificing health initiatives.
Author's summary: Bill Gates shifts focus from climate alarmism to humanitarian needs.