Bill Gates wants to 'fix the cows' so they stop burping, farting methane into the air — here's the startup he backed to help fight climate change. Plus 3 more stocks tackling the issue

Tesla

A typical passenger vehicle emits approximately 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, according to estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA also reported that in 2022, direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector contributed to 29% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

That’s why many consider Tesla (TSLA) to be a top green stock — the company helps resolve the issue through the production of electric vehicles (EVs) that produce no tailpipe emissions.

The company has been at the forefront of the EV transition. In 2023, it delivered 1.81 million EVs, beating Wall Street's expectations and marking a 38% increase from 2022.

In Q1 of 2024, however, Tesla’s vehicle deliveries fell 8.5% year over year to 386,810. The company said this "decline in volumes was partially due to the early phase of the production ramp of the updated Model 3 at our Fremont factory and factory shutdowns resulting from shipping diversions caused by the Red Sea conflict and an arson attack at Gigafactory Berlin."

Tesla shares are down 26% year to date, but Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas sees a comeback on the horizon. Jonas has an “Overweight” rating on Tesla with a price target of $310 — around 68% above the current levels.

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Brookfield Renewable Partners

While EVs are gaining popularity, it’s important to recognize that electricity doesn't appear magically in every wall outlet.

According to the EPA, electricity production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, comprising 25% of the U.S. total in 2022. The agency highlighted that for that year, “60% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, mostly coal and natural gas.”

Fortunately, alternatives exist.

Enter Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP) , renowned for operating one of the world's largest renewable power platforms. Their portfolio includes hydroelectric, wind, utility-scale solar and storage facilities across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. With an operational capacity nearing 34,000 megawatts and a development pipeline of approximately 157,000 megawatts, Brookfield is one of the leaders in sustainable energy solutions.

Brookfield Renewable Partners’ partnership units are dual listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, so it’s easy for both Canadian and American investors to get a piece of the action.

Wells Fargo analyst Jonathan Reeder has an “Overweight” rating on Brookfield Renewable Partners and a price target of $32, implying a potential upside of 29%.

First Solar

According to the United Nations, solar energy is recognized as “one of the least carbon-intensive means of electricity generation.” In particular, solar power produces no emissions during the generation process, and “life-cycle assessments clearly demonstrate that it has a smaller carbon footprint from ‘cradle-to-grave’ than fossil fuels.”

For those interested in investing in this segment, check out First Solar (FSLR) , one of the world's largest manufacturers of photovoltaic solar panels.

First Solar’s thin-film solar module technology stands out for its efficiency and environmental advantages over traditional silicon-based panels. The company's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its products to its operational practices, emphasizing resource efficiency and responsible manufacturing.

In Q1 of 2024, First Solar reported net sales of $794 million, with management anticipating full-year net sales between $4.4 billion and $4.6 billion.

Shares have already climbed 50% year to date. Oppenheimer analyst Colin Rusch has an “Outperform” rating on First Solar and a price target of $325, suggesting a further upside of 25%.