I share Bill’s optimism that we can solve the climate crisis in the long run, and I agree that we don’t have the luxury of time.
On October 18 and 19, more than 700 climate scientists, technologists, philanthropists, policymakers, and corporate leaders gathered at the Breakthrough Energy Summit in Seattle to share ideas and collaborate with other climate leaders from across the world on the critical solutions needed to reach net zero.
In his opening remarks, Breakthrough Energy Founder Bill Gates shared his thoughts on the state of the energy transition. Joined by Breakthrough Energy Executive Director Rodi Guidero, he highlighted the urgency of addressing the Five Grand Challenges to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero within the next three decades.
Climate leaders attending the Summit also expressed their commitment and shared their own visions for a net-zero future. John Podesta, Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation, echoed the call for cross-sector collaboration while highlighting the impact of recent US climate legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act.
Podesta shared, “There is an investment that people are counting on—a commitment to support a future built on clean energy and an economy built on cleaner technologies. It’s taken root in the private sector and has tremendous public support. It will be very hard to uproot.”
Innovators leading the way in developing the new technologies required to achieve this clean energy future reacted to the State of Transition plenary with a renewed commitment and excitement for reducing the Green Premium. Ramya Swaminathan, CEO of Breakthrough Energy Ventures portfolio company Malta, Inc, said,
“I share Bill’s optimism that we can solve the climate crisis in the long run, and I agree that we don’t have the luxury of time. At Malta, we’re tackling the problems of ‘old-way’ electricity generation by re-imagining conventional power plants: we kept what works, like turbines and generators, mature and reliable supply chains, and highly-skilled workforces. We got rid of what doesn’t: fossil fuels. I’m proud to call Breakthrough Energy a partner on our journey to drive down the Green Premium so our technology can help people in all countries.”
Read Bill Gates’ full thoughts on The State of Transition here.
