Bill Gates has been known for his commitment to funding innovative technologies that aim to tackle pressing global issues, such as climate change and disease eradication. This commitment is further explored in the upcoming Netflix series titled "What's Next? The Future with Bill Gates," launching on September 18th. The series will address topics including artificial intelligence (AI), climate change, inequality, misinformation, and global health.

In an interview with The Verge, Gates shared insights into his optimism regarding the technologies highlighted in the series. Additionally, the discussion touched upon his experiences leading Microsoft, offering a glimpse into his influential role in the tech industry.

The Role of AI in Everyday Life

In the series' initial episode, Gates humorously engages with ChatGPT, prompting it to suggest office exercises. While he admits that exercise recommendations are not part of his daily use, he emphasizes the various practical applications of AI in his life.

"I'm often learning about topics," Gates explains, "and ChatGPT is an excellent way to get explanations for specific questions." He notes that he frequently resorts to AI for writing assistance, highlighting its usefulness in generating meeting summaries integrated within Microsoft Teams. This functionality allows him to interactively engage with meeting content beyond just receiving a summary.

Expanding Partnerships in AI Technology

When asked whether Microsoft should fortify its collaboration with OpenAI or focus more on developing its own technology, Gates responded, "I'm an adviser to Microsoft," indicating a supportive stance toward strengthening ties with OpenAI while concurrently investing independently in advanced technologies. He acknowledges the immense financial commitments being made by Microsoft and other companies in the AI domain, underscoring the significance of these investments.

Addressing the Fears Surrounding AI

The conversation naturally transitions to public concerns regarding the potentially detrimental effects of AI. Gates asserts that immediate challenges include ethical utilization in sectors like healthcare and education. He points to innovations like Khanmigo, a tool developed by Khan Academy, which harnesses AI to provide personalized tutoring. Such advancements have the potential to enhance learning experiences, particularly for underserved students, fostering greater productivity across various fields in the coming decade.

While recognizing the necessity of vigilance against malicious uses of AI, Gates expresses confidence in its overall positive impact. He stresses the importance of shaping AI technologies constructively to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

Misinformation and AI's Influence

Researchers have raised alarms about AI exacerbating issues of misinformation. Gates shares his perspective on this concern, arguing, "People can type misinformation into a word processor. They don't need AI...I think AI, on balance, is super beneficial to work on climate." He acknowledges that while generative AI tools can propagate disinformation, they also possess the capability to efficiently analyze information, thus serving a constructive role in combating misleading narratives.

Moreover, Gates emphasizes that many challenges presented in the series, including malaria elimination and climate innovation, align with his ongoing projects aimed at addressing these global issues. Misinformation remains a complex challenge which he believes younger generations will need to navigate, balancing free speech with the responsibility to combat falsehoods.

Balancing Energy Consumption and Climate Goals

Discussing the energy demands associated with training AI, Gates reassures that Microsoft and other tech enterprises are dedicated to exploring clean energy alternatives. He cites efforts toward geothermal energy, fission, and fusion technologies as integral to supporting green energy initiatives. Even considering extreme scenarios, the uptick in emissions from AI data centers would be minimal, constituting less than ten percent of total emissions.

The benefits derived from AI—ranging from scientific discoveries related to steel production and meat alternatives to climate modeling—are expected to outweigh the additional electricity consumption attributed to AI technologies. Gates posits that AI's contributions could significantly aid in transitioning industries toward cleaner energy solutions.

Concerns Regarding Carbon Capture Technologies

As climate activists label some of Gates' funded technologies as "false solutions," he defends nuclear energy as a critical component in addressing climate challenges. He acknowledges controversies surrounding uranium mining, particularly concerning Indigenous communities, stressing the need for responsible practices in resource extraction and waste management.

Gates argues for the necessity of diversifying energy sources, advocating for nuclear power as a reliable option alongside renewable energy. He refers to TerraPower, a company he founded, which seeks to innovate safer and more cost-effective nuclear fission technologies.

Environmental Justice and Fossil Fuels

When discussing carbon capture technologies, Gates recognizes the broader environmental implications of fossil fuels beyond CO2 emissions. He highlights the transition away from coal in favor of natural gas, noting its lower local pollution levels. However, he concedes that long-term strategies must prioritize eliminating reliance on natural gas altogether.

This narrative extends globally, where regions may lack access to affordable natural gas. Consequently, Gates insists that advancements in fission and fusion must complement renewable energy development worldwide.

The Future of Fusion Energy

Despite skepticism regarding fusion energy timelines, Gates remains optimistic about its potential. He mentions his investments in five fusion companies, projecting that their future advancements will be crucial. Nonetheless, he acknowledges the likelihood of missing international climate goals, suggesting that adaptation measures will become increasingly essential.

With the anticipated climate challenges ahead, Gates maintains hope that emerging technologies will mitigate worst-case scenarios. He underscores the urgency of innovative approaches to alleviate conditions in vulnerable areas, particularly in impoverished nations near the equator.

Reflections on Microsoft Leadership

Reflecting on his tenure at Microsoft, Gates expresses gratitude for the company's sustained success under his successors. He appreciates the opportunities provided to continue engaging with technological advancements through Microsoft, particularly in relation to AI's application in health and education.

Antitrust Issues in Technology

Finally, Gates addresses prevailing antitrust discussions revolving around tech giants. Speculating on Microsoft's trajectory had it faced breakup in the early 2000s, he acknowledges the complexities involved but maintains confidence that any segment of the company would have thrived.