“This is not because of renewable dependency,” Gates told Cooper. “These are natural gas plants, for the most part, that have not been damaged by the weather. They could have been. It costs money and the exchange was made, and it did not work, and it is tragic that it led to the death of people. “
“It is ironic to blame renewable energy and not realize that we would have to deal with it, unless we manage the whole world to reduce omissions,” said Gates.
He also spoke with Cooper about Covid-19, climate change and the need for innovation to reduce carbon emissions.
That is why Gates wants this research and development funding to triple to $ 35 billion. He said that many people are not aware of the emissions generated by manufacturing and agriculture, and that we need to commit to finding unique approaches to meet the market demand for these industries.
“2050 is literally the fastest that could be done, given the scale and the number of things you need to change,” said Gates.
How to solve the climate crisis
“20% success rate when you’re limiting yourself to things that bring dramatic benefits to the climate – that would be very impressive,” said Gates. “I think we will make it, but it is very difficult.”
Gates sees a future in which 80% of the world’s energy will come from wind and solar energy and the remaining 20% will come from nuclear energy. He uses Texas as an example. Deep freezes reduce the ability to use wind power, so the state would have to increase nuclear power or withdraw resources from storage.
“The climate is very similar, except, unfortunately, with the climate, once you get into the problem – coral reefs dying, arctic ice dying out, you can’t reverse these things just by making something up,” said Gates.