Bill Gates gets real about climate change: Planting trees is ‘complete nonsense’ but the end of the oil and gas era is finally in sight
fortune.com
The billionaire says he’s “the person who’s doing the most" on climate innovation and solution and trees are a distraction. “Are we science people or are we idiots?”

This article is frustrating for me. Especially his take on trees. The article states the target goal/amount of trees planted would only reduce carbon 6%. Ok, but, it will reduce temperature. I live in WV near a state forest. It is typically 7°-15° F cooler at my house than in town. Additionally, the sun in the summer doesn’t even hit my house until noon-ish, which significantly reduces my air conditioner consumption.

I chose to share this mostly for awareness. I am not especially fond of his perspective.

  • zepheriths@lemmy.world
    16·
    9 months ago

    You have to start somewhere. And frankly its better than nothing because currently we still have carbon growth in the atmosphere

    • Mistymtn421@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      71·
      9 months ago

      Ok, that’s fair. I think I got really mad about the trees :/ Especially living where I do. When I am in the concrete jungle it is crazy how much hotter it is.

      Regarding emissions, I agree something has to change. On top of the oil and gas, our chemical plants are killing us too. They call where I live Chemical Valley and one town near a huge plant has the 4th highest cancer rate in the country.

      Add to that, this is coal country. It’s baffling how many people around me are disabled or have lost family who worked in the mines, yet flip out when you talk about taking their coal away.

      • zepheriths@lemmy.world
        1·
        9 months ago

        I am all to familiar with chemical and oil refineries. Where I live is called “Cancer Alley” from all the refineries along the river( because of the number of them the amount of chemicals in the river is still dangerous because EPA limits are per refinery not per water way)

    • Mistymtn421@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      2·
      9 months ago

      Ok, that’s fair. I think I got really mad about the trees :/ Especially living where I do. When I am in the concrete jungle it is crazy how much hotter it is.

      Regarding emissions, I agree something has to change. On top of the oil and gas, our chemical plants are killing us too. They call where I live Chemical Valley and one town near a huge plant has the 4th highest cancer rate in the country.

      Add to that, this is coal country. It’s baffling how many people around me are disabled or have lost family who worked in the mines, yet flip out when you talk about taking their coal away.