The biggest change I saw [at COP26] compared to 2015 was the focus on innovation. There is now a broad understanding that innovation needs to be at the forefront of any plan to get to zero emissions by 2050. The private sector is playing a central and necessary role alongside governments and nonprofits. It was encouraging to hear leaders from various industries that need to be part of the transition—including shipping, mining, and financial services—talk about their practical plans to decarbonize and to support innovation.

In a look back at 2021, Breakthrough Energy founder Bill Gates shares the reasons he is optimistic after a difficult year, including progress and momentum around what we need to do to avoid a climate disaster. Read more on GatesNotes.com.