His new stance emerges in a letter he has published on his own site ahead of the climate summit COP30.
According to Gates, who has long been a vocal advocate for the need to combat global warming, too many resources are being directed towards emissions and the environment – while more money should go to "improving lives" by combating diseases and poverty.
He is aware that his comments will provoke criticism and emphasizes that "climate change is serious".
"We must continue to support the breakthroughs that will help the world achieve zero emissions. But we cannot cut funding for health and development – programs that help people withstand climate change – in order to do so," writes Gates.
Furthermore, Gates says that the climate summit in Brazil, which begins next month, should focus on how to best adapt to reality and ensure that people's welfare is prioritized.
