On Tuesday 28 May, members of the Environmental Sustainability Committee from Years 11 and 12 attended a screening of the very popular ABC Current Affiars program Q and A with special guest Mr Bill Gates at the University of New South Wales.

By 1999, the personal fortune of Bill Gates had surpassed $100 billion. He had come to symbolise the success of the IT boom and was lauded for making personal computer use an everyday reality. But perhaps his greatest legacy is not related to his work with Microsoft or in software design. Gates has in recent years been best known as the world’s greatest philanthropist. Since 2001, he has devoted the majority of his time to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and given over $35 billion to help combat many of the most pressing global issues.

Whilst many questions related to his work in business or aid provision in Africa, Sam Wood (11/PR) specifically addressed the world’s environmental needs and how a reduction in our carbon footprint might affect developing nations. The question sparked an interesting discussion about the obligation of the global community on environmental issues and the ramifications of scientific ignorance. Overall, the live recording was a valuable experience for all who attended and gave us a greater insight into the life and work of one of the most important figures of our generation.

 Sebastian Rees (11/PR)