Summarised by Centrist
Bill Gates, once a major force in climate advocacy, has shut down the policy and advocacy office of his nonprofit, Breakthrough Energy, laying off dozens of employees.
However, his investments in for-profit green ventures remain.
Breakthrough Energy played a key role in pushing climate policies under the Biden administration, including the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS Act, and the Infrastructure Law. Grants to climate nonprofits are expected to dry up, dealing a serious blow to environmental lobbying efforts.
Since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, tech billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk have distanced themselves from progressive causes.
Gates recently had a three-hour dinner with Trump and later told The Wall Street Journal he was “frankly impressed” by the president’s grasp of key issues.
Critics argue Gates’ latest move is another example of billionaires prioritising wealth over principles.
Image: European Commission – Photographer: Lukasz Kobus
