Why Bill Gates Distributes His Books for Free to University Students

Microsoft founder Bill Gates [Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Microsoft founder Bill Gates is distributing his book released last February, 'How to Avoid a Climate Disaster,' for free to college students.

On the 26th (local time), U.S. economic media CNBC reported, "Gates is sharing his bestselling e-book with college students through his personal blog this week."

In his blog, Gates explained the reason for distributing his book for free, saying, "Young people must take a leading role in technological and policy innovations in the fight against climate change." Any college student can receive the book by submitting their school name and email address.

This is Gates' third book, which appeared on the New York Times (NYT) bestseller list. In it, Gates defines climate change as a major crisis for humanity and argues that achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions is the solution.

This is not the first time Gates has distributed a book. In 2018, he provided the e-book of the late global scholar Hans Rosling's 'Factfulness' for free. This book became a global bestseller, strongly recommended by Gates and former U.S. President Barack Obama.