Business, government and environmental leaders from Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia met at the U.S.-Canada border this week to discuss the next steps in the quest to become the world's first sustainable mega-region.

The Cascadia 2050 Vision conference was led by former Washington state governor Chris Gregoire, the CEO of Challenge Seattle and the co-chair of the steering committee for the Cascadia Innovation Corridor, a cross-border initiative that brings together leaders from Washington state, Oregon and British Columbia. Gregoire joins us on this episode to discuss the key innovations and funding initiatives that make her optimistic about the prospects for achieving long-term climate goals. 

• Boston Consulting Group report: How the Cascadia Innovation Corridor can serve as a global model for sustainable growth
• Cascadia Daily News: Cascadia 2050 Vision conference brings together international leaders
• Bill Gates encouraged by U.S. climate initiatives as ‘mega-region’ grapples with long-term challenges
• Microsoft’s outgoing environmental chief reflects on bold actions and navigating ‘hiccups’

Hosted by GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; edited and produced by Curt Milton.