Bill Gates, renowned for his love of books since childhood, turned to literature for guidance when transitioning from Microsoft to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. With more time on his hands, Gates delved into physics, chemistry, biology, and other sciences to deepen his understanding of health, education, and climate change. Sharing his journey on his Gates Notes blog, he highlighted four climate-related titles that made a significant impact on his philanthropic pursuits.

Gates stressed the accessibility and practicality of his recommended books, which are all nonfiction. Although they include technical content, he emphasized how these “deep dives” provided a foundational grasp of science that he frequently draws upon. The list encompasses both classic and contemporary works, exploring various aspects of science and climate.

1. Weather for Dummies by John D. Cox: Gates credits this book for shaping his understanding of how climate change influences weather. With engaging illustrations and do-it-at-home experiments, it offers a comprehensive view of the subject. Cox’s ability to present weather phenomena in an easily digestible format makes it highly accessible for general audiences.
2. The Atmosphere by Frederick K. Lutgens, Edward Tarbuck, and Redina Herman: A meteorological classic, first published in 1979, The Atmosphere delves into everything from fire to rain. Gates appreciates its nontechnical approach to meteorology, which explores the Earth’s surface heat and cooling mechanisms and illustrates the connection between the atmosphere and climate change. Despite being a college textbook, it remains accessible to anyone motivated to learn about the Earth’s climate.
3. Physical Geology by James S. Monroe, Reed Wicander, and Richard Hazlett: Physical Geology examines what lies on and beneath the Earth’s surface. This college-level read covers various concepts such as rock types, plate tectonics, glaciers, and erosion. Gates finds joy in rediscovering elementary school topics like plate tectonics and volcanoes in greater depth. He also highlights the book’s sections that elucidate the impacts of climate change, particularly the recession of glaciers.
4. Planet Earth by John Renton: Written by the late John Renton, a writer and former teacher, Planet Earth offers a fresh perspective on our world. Accompanying a series of video lectures called “Nature of Earth: An Introduction to Geology,” this book can be rented or purchased. Renton’s unique insights help readers view the Earth through a different lens, providing a valuable resource for those seeking to broaden their knowledge.

Bill Gates’ book recommendations provide valuable insights into the Earth and climate change. Whether you’re a general reader or a motivated learner, these titles can deepen your understanding and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on these crucial topics.