In 2021, Gates previously warned about apocalyptic consequences if the world does not achieve zero net carbon emissions by the year 2050. He also promoted his new book, "How to Avoid a Climate Disaster" (fear sells). 

On Thursday, Gates made a sudden U-turn on his climate doom narrative and now expects "No temperate country is going to become uninhabitable."

Gates spoke at a live event at The Times Center in New York and argued: "If you try to do climate brute force, you will get people who say, 'I like climate but I don't want to bear that cost and reduce my standard of living." 

He also dismissed planting trees to save the planet, questioning: "Are we the science people or are we the idiots?" he said. "Which one do we want to be?"