Trading money among billionaires foundations (so they can reduce their taxes)....not that they don’t do good....but, c’mon....
Therein lies the problem that rears its very ugly head when too much money is controlled by one person. He wants to make a difference. That difference is not always, in fact, is rarely, in the best interest of mankind. The Ford Foundation, the Tides Foundation, George Soros ... these for starters.
Of course Gates is right, but this is in direct opposition to the wishes of the environmental zealots and lefties who oppose cheap energy in all forms. Does Gates even realize this? These are his fellow travelers.
If he really thinks it is that important, Gates should offer a $10 billion prize for developing an energy source that is half the price of coal. He needs to define the rules precisely, including the amount of CO2 allowed (although if that Harvard company is successful in developing a way to create ethanol from CO2 and sunlight, it shouldn’t matter.)
Incentives based on results — like prizes — are much more effective than funding ongoing research. People and companies are going to try really hard if the prize is $10 billion. If no one comes up with a solution, he hasn’t lost anything.
Personally, I think the key is battery or other technology to store energy converted from wave, tide, wind, solar, etc.
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“Understanding science and pushing the boundaries of science is what makes me immensely satisfied. What I’m doing now involves understanding maths, risk-taking. The first half of my life was good preparation for the second half.’”
All your good ideas came from Steve Jobs and Apple.