GreenBiz 25 took place Feb. 10-12 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix. More than 2,400 sustainability leaders gathered to explore corporate sustainability strategies. The event featured networking events; tours of solar canals, desert wetlands, and the True Garden food factory; morning hikes and over 100 sessions across eight tracks covering corporate responsibility, transparency, climate solutions, and more.
Mayor Kate Gallego Welcomed Attendees
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego delivered a keynote address, welcoming guests to Arizona. She emphasized the role of local governments and businesses in leading sustainability efforts.
“We have been in a period of incredible national leadership in our country driving sustainability and now I think the business community, and local government, as well as many states are going to step up and be where the action is,” Gallego said. “As a mayor of a top five cities, I have many choices where to spend my time, but I really decided to focus on sustainability because I think we can get a lot done, and because local business, philanthropy and academia are going to have to lead the way for the next several years.”
Policy Changes Under Trump Administration
Speakers discussed federal policy shifts after the 2024 presidential election.
President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14151, issued January 20 ended federal diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs. The order also directed agencies to eliminate DEI-related terms from policies.
This change led corporations like Amazon and Google, and most recently PBS to modify their DEI initiatives. Many companies are now adjusting language and strategies to comply with new regulations while maintaining inclusive workplace goals.
GreenBiz 25 addressed how businesses can continue diversity efforts despite restrictions.
Experts suggested embedding inclusion into corporate culture without using restricted terms. The focus was on ways to bring the community together by pointing out that all humans want pollution-free air and clean water, and a place where our children and our children’s children have a place to grow up.
Tom Chi, founding partner from At One Ventures said that in order for us to move forward, “You need grief to move you to something you really care about.”
As GreenBiz 25 came to a close one thing was certain. With grief comes change, and with change comes opportunity.
This year’s event reminded us that while grief over the state of our planet is a heavy burden, it also drives us to find solutions. It’s a call to action that requires not only new technologies but also a shift in mindset and approach. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity.
