SINGAPORE (Realist English). Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has called on developed nations to accelerate their path to net zero emissions, stressing that wealthy countries have a moral and practical obligation to lead the global climate effort — even if other nations fail to fully meet the same targets.
“We owe it to the world,” Gates said during a fireside conversation at the opening dinner of Ecosperity, the flagship sustainability forum hosted by Singapore’s state investment firm Temasek. Speaking alongside Ravi Menon, Singapore’s Ambassador for Climate Action, Gates emphasized that affluent nations must commit to net zero to demonstrate the viability of climate solutions.
“There are levels of emissions small enough that worsening temperatures aren’t a problem,” Gates noted. “That doesn’t mean every country needs to hit absolute zero, but rich countries must.”
The United Nations defines net zero as reducing carbon emissions to minimal levels, with any remaining emissions offset through natural absorption or carbon removal technologies — resulting in no net greenhouse gases added to the atmosphere. According to the Paris Agreement, global emissions must fall by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 to limit warming to 1.5°C.
While acknowledging that the goal of full global net zero by 2050 is likely out of reach, Gates urged greater investment in climate innovation, noting that risk capital remains a key barrier. “The sooner we get there, the better — but we need real-world examples,” he said.
During his visit, Gates also met with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who announced that the Gates Foundation will open an office in the city-state. “We had a wide-ranging discussion — from clean energy to vaccine development,” Wong said. “Singapore looks forward to close collaboration with the foundation to drive innovation and improve lives across Asia and globally.”
Gates also held talks with Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who welcomed the foundation’s increased engagement in Singapore. “We encourage the Gates Foundation and others to invest in our ecosystem and deepen ties with the region,” Lee stated.
