Widespread catastrophic consequences from global warming also "almost certainly won't appear in the next ten years".

Gates has spent a good chunk of change on no carbon energy, partially to combat global warming, and partially to alleviate poverty.

Seems to be sympatico on the importance of R&D.

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-miracle-seeker-20101028?page=2

Q: What have you learned about energy politics in your trips to Washington?

A: The most important thing is to start working on the long-lead-time stuff early. That's why the funding for R&D feels urgent to me.