Bill Gates has criticized billionaires for using space exploration as a pastime, claiming that “we have a lot to do here on Earth.” The philanthropist responded to billionaires like Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos traveling to space on The Late Late Show with James Corder, and his words have gone viral.
Cordon hailed Gates for being the “one billionaire who is not trying to escape planet Earth on a spaceship at the moment” during a special segment on climate change.
When asked why millionaires were so concerned with space tourism, Bill Gates replied, “I don’t know.”
He further added, “I’ve become obsessed with things like Malaria and HIV and getting rid of those diseases… I would probably bore people at cocktail parties talking about diseases.”
“Space? You know, we have a lot to do here on Earth,” the former Microsoft founder added grinning.
Gates’ jibe at the world’s richest earned him praise from Corden, who said his comments were the “classiest burn”.
Thanks for having me on the show, @JKCorden! And thanks to the all of the late night hosts for focusing on this critical challenge. I’m optimistic that we can come together to avoid a climate disaster. https://t.co/D8bDBA2NOQ
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) September 24, 2021
“We’re going to have to act together and we’re going to have to innovate at a very rapid pace. This will be the hardest thing humanity has ever done,” he added.
Many people agreed with him, while others believed that funding for space exploration was also necessary.
Finally, someone addressing the simple fact that we have sufficient issues to solve here on earth, flying off to space is not required. With the wave of a hand these 3 billionaires could easily solve world hunger. But Mr. Gates is the only one willing to keep his feet earthbound
— David Wilson (@DavidWi81588452) September 27, 2021
@BillGates Amen, brother! There are better uses for our resources space tourism.
— Kirk Hellweg (@aslanskirk) September 26, 2021
So true Mr Bill Gates! Our beautiful planet we are so lucky to have,needs all our attention,money & resources to keep it that way & to ensure humanity has a future!
— Lyn Myers (@LynMyers20) September 26, 2021
Thats Right Bill !
— OOSS (@OOSS30722317) September 25, 2021
Finally a billionaire talks some sence.
— Varun Bopanna (@BopannaVarun) September 25, 2021