Amazon’s chief sustainability officer, Kara Hurst, candidly admitted the company lacks a concrete plan to achieve its 2040 net-zero emissions target. While acknowledging the challenge, she stressed the need for collaboration between companies and governments. Despite purchasing vast amounts of clean energy and aiming to reduce carbon intensity, Amazon’s recent plans to build a massive natural gas power plant cast doubt on its commitment.

As one of the world’s largest companies, Amazon’s inaction is concerning. Its revenue of $717 billion last year is as large as Ireland’s economy. Yet, as power shifts from governments to corporations, the responsibility to lead on climate change has never been greater. But will Amazon’s future execs be tasked with cleaning up this mess?

The climate tech world watches with bated breath, hoping market forces will drive down emissions. For now, it seems Amazon has chosen revenue over responsibility, setting a worrying precedent. Can we trust companies like Amazon to take the lead, or will they leave it for future generations to address?

Amazon’s acknowledgment that it can’t achieve its goals alone highlights the need for widespread, coordinated action. Yet, its decision to invest heavily in natural gas power suggests a flawed approach to addressing climate change. As global leaders, Amazon’s actions—or lack thereof—will shape the future of our planet.