105. From Pledge to Progress: How 600+ Companies Are Working Toward Net Zero

In this episode of Hey Change, Anne Therese sits down with Sally Fouts, Global Lead for The Climate Pledge at Amazon, for an inspiring conversation about how companies can be powerful drivers of climate action.

Sally shares the origin story of The Climate Pledge — a commitment launched in 2019 alongside Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac at Global Optimism, with the goal of reaching net-zero carbon by 2040 — and how it has evolved into a global movement of more than 600 companies working together across industries. She explains why collaboration is key to solving climate challenges, the dangers of “greenhushing,” and how businesses can build momentum by taking action even when perfection isn’t possible.

Together, Anne Therese and Sally explore the mindset shifts needed to move from minimizing footprints to maximizing impact, and why it’s so important to celebrate progress along the way. They also talk about the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle and how creating physical spaces where people can experience sustainability first-hand can inspire new ways of thinking about what’s possible.

This is a hopeful, empowering conversation for anyone who wants to see business used as a force for good — whether you’re a sustainability professional, a business leader, or just someone looking for reasons to stay optimistic about the future.

Let’s dive in.

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“You can’t reach net-zero carbon alone — there are things you can control within your own business, but a lot happens outside your control and across the value chain.”

— Sally Fouts

Key Takeaways:

1. Collaboration is essential to reaching net zero. The Climate Pledge was built on the understanding that no single company can decarbonize alone — cross-industry partnerships are critical.
   

2. Progress over perfection. Sally stressed that perfection is paralyzing — what matters most is taking steps forward, even small ones, and celebrating the wins.
   

3. Shared commitment creates shared momentum. With over 600 companies signed on, the pledge creates a community where businesses learn from each other and work together on joint action projects.
   

4. Narrative shift matters. Both Anne Therese and Sally highlight the need to move away from a narrative of minimizing and sacrifice toward one of maximizing impact and building momentum.
   

5. Greenhushing is a real risk. Staying silent about sustainability progress out of fear of criticism can slow change. Instead, we should celebrate companies that are trying and inspire others to act.
   

6. Physical spaces can inspire change. Climate Pledge Arena shows that sustainability can enhance — not diminish — the customer experience, creating a blueprint for others to follow.
   

7. Optimism is a practice. Sally reminds us that optimism grows when we take action, build community, and intentionally celebrate every step forward.

Also Mentioned:

• Christiana and Tom’s book: The Future We Choose

• Global Optimism Podcast: Outrage & Optimism

• The Climate Pledge: https://www.theclimatepledge.com/

• The Climate Pledge Arena: https://climatepledgearena.com/

• Anne Therese’s Book: The Climate Optimist Handbook