Bill Gates Challenges Climate Doomsday Narrative, Calls for Adaptation

As of November 5th, 2025, a debate has been sparked by recent remarks from Microsoft founder Bill Gates on the global approach to climate change. In a memo published last week, Gates, a prominent funder of climate-friendly technologies, has questioned the 'doomsday outlook' on the crisis, stating that humanity will most likely survive this challenge.

Rather than focusing solely on limiting temperature rise, Gates has advocated for greater emphasis on improving health, prosperity, and development, particularly in poorer regions. He argues that measures like advancements in agriculture, better access to heating and cooling, and efficient early warning systems for extreme weather events would not only enhance quality of life but also better prepare people to withstand climate impacts.

Gates' position represents a shift from his previous mitigation-centric approach, and it aligns closely with the stance India has taken in the last two years. The Indian government had previously argued that keeping global temperatures under arbitrary thresholds is a "flawed" way of dealing with the climate crisis, and that rapid development and increased incomes are the best defense against its impacts.

Interestingly, Gates' latest views are likely to find support from many other developing countries that have been demanding greater attention and support for adaptation actions. However, the mainstream narrative on climate action, advocated strongly by scientists and activists, remains focused on rapid emission cuts and an immediate energy transition, leading to criticism of Gates' position from the scientific community.