Bill Gates recently published an essay advocating for a shift in climate funding from near-term emissions goals to adaptation and poverty alleviation. Critics, including George Monbiot, argue that Gates' approach neglects the political realities of wealth concentration and its impact on climate action. The essay fails to acknowledge how the ultra-rich, through their economic power, influence political decisions that lead to austerity and reduced funding for essential services. Monbiot highlights that the wealth of the top billionaires has surged, overshadowing the funds needed to combat extreme poverty. Gates' omission of the political power dynamics at play raises questions about the feasibility of his proposals and the broader implications for climate policy.