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Tencent Technology News, July 22, according to foreign media reports, after achieving great success in the field of computer software, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has turned his focus to charity, humanitarian work and exploring solutions to climate change. As one of the world's top billionaires, he has injected billions of dollars into environmental innovation companies. Recently, in an interview with Bloomberg Senior Executive Editor John Fraher, Gates discussed the role of technology in alleviating the climate crisis, the booming rise of artificial intelligence, and Elon Musk's possible contribution to climate change.

In response to environmental concerns caused by high power consumption of artificial intelligence, Gates showed his unique optimistic perspective. He believes that although the huge demand for electricity from artificial intelligence currently puts pressure on the global power grid and may shake the climate commitments of technology giants, it will play an important role in promoting the transformation of energy structure and moving towards a sustainable future, and ultimately achieve a self-sustaining green development path.

The following is an excerpt from the interview:

Flair:Nearly a decade ago, you founded the Breakthrough Energy Fund to invest in breakthrough climate technologies across all emissions sectors. Over the past decade, you have invested billions of dollars in a wide range of climate companies. Among these investments, is there a particular company, project, or technology that you are particularly excited about and looking forward to?

Gates:I could name a lot of companies. The climate challenge is that if we want to get to zero emissions, we have to make progress in every sector, from buildings to agriculture to electricity to transport to aviation and shipping. So there are a lot of companies that are working to transform processes in these industries. Nuclear fission and fusion are huge technologies that have the potential to be revolutionary if they can be made cost-effective. Geological hydrogen is also a very promising technology that could make a huge difference if it is successfully applied. But it is also worth noting that even seemingly basic innovations, such as energy-efficient windows, can significantly reduce energy consumption while keeping the environment warm in the summer and warm in the winter, which is both economical and environmentally friendly.

Flair:We already have solar, wind and battery storage. But if you could wave a magic wand and create an entirely new energy technology that was scalable and affordable, which one would you choose?

Gates:If there is such a magic, I would definitely choose to make nuclear fission or nuclear fusion technology economically feasible and safe. Such energy can be built almost on demand, is completely unaffected by the weather, and is stable and reliable. Of course, we cannot rely entirely on this technology, so we need to accelerate the development of renewable energy such as wind power and solar power. In addition, geothermal energy also shows great potential and can be used together with existing energy forms to build a more resilient energy network. In particular, energy that can be supplied stably around the clock and is not restricted by weather will be an important addition to our energy mix.

AI can help simulate and optimize climate solutions

Flair:There is a lot of discussion about artificial intelligence. In your opinion, what are the scenarios where artificial intelligence has the greatest potential for application in climate solutions?

Gates:The core value of artificial intelligence in climate solutions lies in its simulation and optimization capabilities. It can help us accurately simulate complex systems, thereby optimizing resource allocation and significantly improving efficiency. More importantly, when artificial intelligence goes deep into basic scientific research, it can help achieve major breakthroughs, such as developing non-silicon-based solar cell materials, or efficiently growing food in a laboratory environment, using innovative methods such as fungi. This goes beyond simple efficiency improvements and fundamentally helps us design greener and more environmentally friendly products and services.

Flair:In the process of promoting energy transformation, how do we balance the relationship between additional energy demand and reducing emissions? Is it worth paying the additional emission price just for the intellectual advantage?

Gates:It is true that developments in areas such as electric vehicles, electric heat pumps and steel manufacturing will create additional electricity demand, especially when these demands are likely to exceed existing high-energy consumption areas such as data centers. However, there are also many ways to improve computing efficiency and thus reduce energy consumption. Ultimately, whether these additional electricity demands account for 3% of total electricity use or 6%, or even less than 10%, we must find ways to adapt and pay for them. Technology companies are very sensitive to this and are willing to pay a certain premium to ensure environmentally friendly energy use, just like electricity customers who want and support the use of green energy. This positive attitude will promote the rapid development of green technology and prove the great value of artificial intelligence in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable development.

Flair:So, overall, you think AI will be invaluable in reducing emissions?

Gates:Absolutely!

AI's high valuation stems from its huge development potential

Flair:In the field of artificial intelligence, you have obviously been in this industry for a long time and have witnessed many ups and downs in the technology world. At present, we are seeing a lot of money pouring into the field of artificial intelligence, such as Nvidia recently briefly became the world's most valuable company. When you see such market capitalizations, do you worry that we are in a valuation bubble?

Gates: I am not an investor who focuses on short-term stock market fluctuations, so I will not directly comment on the market value of specific companies. But I can say that the current price-to-earnings ratio has not reached the extreme level during the Internet bubble.. Moreover, the growth momentum of artificial intelligence is real and strong. It is an extremely basic and critical technology. Therefore, I would not easily assert that this is a bubble, but I do see huge growth potential and value in this field. Major technology companies, including Microsoft, are investing heavily to enhance the capabilities of artificial intelligence and redesign products to improve efficiency and user experience.

Flair:Do you think the current market's high valuation of artificial intelligence is mainly based on its huge development potential rather than pure speculation?

Gates:Indeed, the market's excitement about artificial intelligence is based on its profound impact on future society and the economy. We are standing on the threshold of another major change in the history of digital technology, and artificial intelligence will lead this change, and its potential is immeasurable.

"Love to learn" and curiosity lead to success

Flair:You all know that you started your life as the founder of Microsoft. What skills did you develop at Microsoft that you think are most critical to your current work as a philanthropist, tech investor, and influential public figure?

Gates:I have always been a person who loves to learn, to read and learn new things. I didn't even want to drop out of Harvard because I loved taking all kinds of classes. I audited more classes than I did in my major. I witnessed this unique era. This curiosity about the unknown is also reflected in my current focus on climate issues. I am eager to get to the bottom of emissions and explore the reasons behind the high child mortality rate in Africa. I enjoy the process of communicating with people who are committed to exploring problems and finding solutions. This ability to organize innovators, think together, and create breakthrough solutions is consistent with my work at Microsoft, my foundation's work on disease control, and my current efforts in the climate field through the Breakthrough Energy Fund.

Flair:What have you had to learn or found to be the most challenging parts of working in climate investing?

Gates:I clearly recognized that there were areas where I was not strong, such as decision-making as a CFO. Therefore, when I created the Breakthrough Energy Fund, I deliberately assembled a diverse team that had financial and management skills that I did not have to provide comprehensive support for the company's decision-making. This allowed me to focus on the areas where I was strong while using the expertise of others to make up for my shortcomings.

Advise Musk to talk more about climate change

Flair:As a world-renowned climate warrior, have you had any recent communication with Elon Musk, another person who plays a pivotal role in the field of green technology?

Gates:Musk and I haven't spoken recently, but we met briefly at the Breakthrough Prize ceremony. Tesla's contribution to the transition of the automotive industry to electric vehicles is unparalleled, and Musk has successfully made green technology and solutions cool and attractive, inspiring consumers to buy them.

Flair:Are you a little disappointed that Musk now seems to be focusing more on other issues such as culture and war, and less on climate issues?

Gates:Musk has spoken out on many issues, but I really hope he can talk more about climate issues. He is a very smart man and has made great contributions in this field, which is very important.

Flair:What would you like him to say when he talks about the climate?

Gates:I don't think he takes advice from anyone or is easily influenced by others to decide what he will say. Every topic he talks about is based on his personal interests and concerns.

Frequent flying is the biggest climate "bad habit"

Flair:Indeed, being part of the climate solution means we all need to make changes and sacrifices to some degree. What is the biggest climate sacrifice you’ve personally had to make in pursuit of a more sustainable lifestyle?

Gates:I think that in supporting climate action, I am also looking for a balance between personal action and investment. I promote the application of clean energy technology by funding companies, such as those focusing on electric heat pump technology. In this way, I not only help people reduce their energy bills, but also promote the popularity of these green technologies and the growth of market demand. At the same time, I also use these investments to offset my personal carbon emissions and strive to achieve zero emissions. Therefore, my biggest personal climate "sacrifice" may be to invest a lot of money in these projects to ensure myCarbon Footprintcan be gradually reduced to zero.

Flair:What is your biggest daily climate “vice”?

Gates:I think my biggest climate "bad habit" is flying a lot, which is also my biggest carbon footprint. (Compiled by Jinlu)