International members of the PLM Green Global Alliance (PGGA) met recently to discuss the timely new book “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need” by Bill Gates. The panel discussion was moderated by Jos Voskuil with participants Klaus Brettschneider, Lionel Grealou, Patrick Hillberg, Ilan Madjar, and Richard McFall.

Mr. Gates, who admits he is an imperfect messenger, wrote what many of us often feel: “It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of a problem as big as climate change. But you’re not powerless. And you don’t have to be a politician or a philanthropist to make a difference. You have influence as a citizen, a consumer, and an employee or employer.” He closed his book with the comment that he hoped it sparked conversations.

We at PGGA believe this call to action is especially relevant for professionals in our industry who use, develop, support, teach, market, research, or write about Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) enabling strategies and supporting technologies that can contribute to a sustainable lower-carbon circular economy.

Listen to what panelists thought about the decarbonization challenges and technologies that Mr. Gates proposes as priorities, including both pro and con comments from the perspectives of representatives from five different nationalities. The recording may be accessed on YouTube HERE.