Nijia Zhou is the Principal Climate Advisor at Whole Foods Market. With a strong background in sustainability and environmental policy, Nijia has committed her career to advancing climate action and sustainable practices.
At Whole Foods Market, Nijia is instrumental in developing and executing the company’s comprehensive climate strategy, which includes carbon management, water conservation, and biodiversity initiatives. She manages supplier sustainability investments, co-investing with the supply chain to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, she advises Whole Foods Market stakeholders on climate-related topics and provides expert guidance to Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery and Worldwide Sustainability teams on internal policies related to climate in agriculture.
Before joining Whole Foods Market, Nijia gained valuable experience working with organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme, Systemiq, and Procter & Gamble, where she focused on environmental management and developing sustainability strategies. In these roles, she implemented global policies, developed climate investment strategies, and led sustainable packaging initiatives.
Nijia’s work is driven by her passion for sustainability and climate action. She brings interdisciplinary expertise to her role, integrating cultural, business, scientific, and environmental perspectives to create effective and comprehensive solutions. Her specific focus on decarbonization and environmental management ensures that Whole Foods Market’s programs are grounded in academic and scientific rigor. Working at Whole Foods Market is profoundly meaningful for Nijia. The company’s significant influence in the food industry allows her to make a tangible impact without the need to convince others of the importance of sustainability.
Nijia earned her Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering and Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Texas and Masters of Science in Environmental Change and Master of Business Administration from the University of Oxford.
Outside of work, Nijia volunteers and serves on the Board of Directors of TreeFolks, a nonprofit in Austin that plants trees in underserved areas, and she is an active member and coach at the Austin Rowing Club. She also enjoys biking and foraging plants, particularly for tea.
