Breakthrough Energy, a collection of organizations founded by Bill Gates in 2015, announced a slew of staffing cuts this week. 

These organizations focus on accelerating things like sustainable energy and other environmental technologies. They had a promising beginning with a range of wealthy investors joining Gates to provide funding. 

But now, dozens of employees have been let go. And according to some, it’s a signal that one of the world’s most climate-conscious billionaires is rethinking  his strategy in the face of an adversarial Congress and President. 

Guest:
David Gelles, a climate reporter for The New York Times 

Related Links:
Climate Group Funded by Bill Gates Slashes Staff in Major Retreat - The New York Times

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. 

Breakthrough Energy, a collection of organizations founded by Bill Gates in 2015, announced a slew of staffing cuts this week.&nbsp;
These organizations focus on accelerating things like sustainable energy and other environmental technologies. They had a promising beginning with a range of wealthy investors joining Gates to provide funding.&nbsp;
But now, dozens of employees have been let go. And according to some, it&rsquo;s a signal that one of the world&rsquo;s most climate-conscious billionaires is rethinking&nbsp; his strategy in the face of an adversarial Congress and President.&nbsp;
Guest:
<ul>
<li>David Gelles, a climate reporter for The New York Times&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Related Links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/12/climate/bill-gates-breakthrough-energy-cuts.html">Climate Group Funded by Bill Gates Slashes Staff in Major Retreat - The New York Times</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.&nbsp;

Soundside

Breakthrough Energy, a collection of organizations founded by Bill Gates in 2015, announced a slew of staffing cuts this week. 

Advertisement