[deltree7]

This is the dumbest take on Climate Change and I can't believe the HN crowd falls for it.

Thought Experiment:

Say, Bill Gates (and other VIPs) is respected enough that he can convert 5 Skeptics out a 100 Climate Deniers. So, In order for the successful climate actions Bill Gates has to change the minds of say 10,000 leaders in various positions across the world. That means he effectively has to meet 200,000 people across the globe.

If Climate Change is important, and you want quick action, do you want Bill Gates (and others) to

a) jet around the globe and try to convince 200,000 people in 5 years

or

b) Bicycle around the globe and try to convince 200,000 people in 50 years

Only a moron would suggest (b). I expect TikTokers and Redditors to pick option (b) as they are easily swayed by "Hurr Durr, Bill Gates Jets" arguments.

[id]

How is he going to "convince 200,000 people in 5 years" if he isn't even willing to fly first class instead of private? He obviously doesn't care, so he's not going to convince anyone.

[deltree7]

Private saves times instead of First Class.

[oldgradstudent]

Thought experiments are supposed to involve a little bit of thinking.

He can jet around the world in economy class without much difference, just a bit of sacrifice.

I'll start believing Bill Gates believes in climate change when he starts behaving as if he does.

[dasudasu]

Have you considered that his power of persuasion is very dependent upon what he himself practices? Leading by example.