Bill Gates' Climate Group Lays Off US, Europe Policy Teams
- Reference: 0176707329
- News link: https://news.slashdot.org/story/25/03/13/2342216/bill-gates-climate-group-lays-off-us-europe-policy-teams
- Source link:
> Breakthrough Energy is an umbrella organization founded by Gates that houses various initiatives aimed at accelerating the clean energy transition. It also encompasses Breakthrough Energy Ventures, one of the biggest investors in early-stage climate technologies with stakes in more than 120 companies, as well as a grantmaking program for early-seed stage company founders and Breakthrough Catalyst, a funding platform focused on emergent climate technologies. None of those divisions of the group were impacted by cuts, which were reported earlier by the New York Times.
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> [...] "In the United States especially, the conversation about climate has been sidetracked by politics," Gates wrote in the introduction to his 2021 book. "Some days, it can seem as if we have little hope of getting anything done." The climate pullback is happening at the same time as the US cuts foreign aid, a field where Gates is also a major donor. His nonprofit, the Gates Foundation, operates with a budget of billions and has a strong focus on overseas development.
"Bill Gates remains as committed as ever to advancing the clean energy innovations needed to address climate change," a Breakthrough Energy spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "His work in this area will continue and is focused on helping drive reliable affordable, clean energy solutions that will enable people everywhere to thrive."
On Wednesday, the EPA [2]announced the agency will "undertake 31 historic actions in the greatest and most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history..."
[1] https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2025/03/13/bill-gates-climate-group-lays-off-us-and-europe-policy-teams/82361377007/
[2] https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-launches-biggest-deregulatory-action-us-history
Nothing changed (Score:2)
> "Bill Gates remains as committed as ever to advancing the clean energy innovations needed to address climate change,"
That was the problem all along. He said he was a good boy, but still used his private jet more than a Dutch kid uses a bicycle.
"as committed" just means "not interested in the least".
How will the US emerge from this? (Score:2)
Based on the EPA changes, it would seem that their land, water, and air are all basically screwed. Unless, of course, industry chooses not to avail themselves of the newly permitted regressive behaviours... Rather than just idly not making or meeting promises, the states will be at the forefront of making things much worse. The effects will be borne by everybody, but the benefits not so much. Lots of future superfund sites. So what is the end game? I'm genuinely curious.
The problem is larger than just the e
Re: (Score:2)
The moneyed class wants to extend both their power and range, ostensibly increasing their wealth. There are sufficient sheep to follow them, provoked by fear messaging, that they become elected.
No government is "safe" from this thinking, and you'll be challenged by this trend, personally, and soon. Bad messaging works. The survival instinct is strong, and speaks more loudly when there are billions of pounds, euros, dollars, francs, and shekels (other currencies acknowledged) fueling that speech. Greed, comb
In Nelson Voice - Ha ha (Score:2)
World is going to suck for you kids. I am old. Not going to affect me.
No more USAID paying for Bill Gates Philanthrophy? (Score:2)
“I’m a little worried, particularly with this USAID stuff. My foundation partners with USAID on nutrition and getting vaccines out Hopefully we’ll get some of that work back If we don’t, you could have literally millions of deaths,” Gates said.