Jackson, who has been tipped as a potential successor to Tim Cook, spoke to industry leaders about the need for collaboration and regulatory frameworks to address environmental challenges.
Jackson emphasized that sustainable solutions require input from communities directly affected by environmental decisions. "If you design an answer in a vacuum away from the community that's impacted and away from the people who have to live with it and use it, it's not going to be a solution," she said. Speaking specifically about Silicon Valley, she remarked, "We're so smart [there], but communities know what they need, as well."
In her discussion, Jackson also highlighted the importance of regulation in fostering environmental progress. She pointed out that regulations help create a level playing field for companies, ensuring that businesses that take extra steps toward sustainability aren’t disadvantaged by those doing the bare minimum.
"For companies who are stepping up to do more, to do things that they aren't required to do by law," Jackson noted, "it shouldn't be at a disadvantage because another company isn't even doing the minimum." She emphasized the critical role of regulatory bodies, like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in maintaining standards for air, water, land, and toxic materials.
When asked for career advice, Jackson encouraged individuals to focus on science as a foundation for working in environmental and sustainability fields. "Do science," she said. However, she also shared that being a specialist in environmental fields isn’t the only path. Recalling her background as a chemical engineer, Jackson noted that her technical expertise resonated with Apple CEO Tim Cook during her hiring process, as it allowed her to approach environmental problems from a practical, solution-oriented perspective.
Jackson also underscored the importance of understanding complex topics and being able to relate to how others think in order to drive change. Beyond her environmental initiatives, she touched on Apple’s broader goals through the company’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, emphasizing how education is a critical tool for achieving equity.
Jackson's rare public interviews reflect her leadership in pushing for meaningful changes in both environmental sustainability and social justice, as she continues to shape Apple’s policies for a more sustainable future.
