At a live podcast taping during Climate Week NYC, executives from organizations worldwide met to wrestle with challenging sustainability questions, including: How do we reach net zero by 2040 when the demand for energy is skyrocketing?

This episode of Positive Charge takes listeners inside a private session at The Climate Pledge Hub featuring Kara Hurst, chief sustainability officer at Amazon, and Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize. Plus, we meet Franco Rodríguez Viau, a Gen Z founder whose AI startup is detecting wildfires faster than NASA.

From navigating Amazon’s $200 billion AI infrastructure push to turning climate fatigue into "positive tipping points," this conversation explores how radical transparency, buyer alliances and youth-led innovation can accelerate climate solutions. 

Tune in to hear why climate action could be the most unifying human mission in history — and why the future of sustainability relies on inviting everyone in.

Sources and references

Interviews:
Kara Hurst, chief sustainability officer for Amazon
Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize
Franco Rodríguez Viau, CEO and co-founder of Satellites on Fire

Additional sources:
"The new tipping points playbook: The Earthshot Prize and the University of Exeter reveal how to make environmental repair unstoppable", The Earthshot Prize

Positive Charge is hosted by Lisa Stiffler and Laura Scott, and edited and produced by Laura Scott, with editorial assistance from Todd Bishop. This episode was sponsored by Amazon and The Climate Pledge.

At a live podcast taping during Climate Week NYC, executives from organizations worldwide met to wrestle with challenging sustainability questions, including: How do we reach net zero by 2040 when the demand for energy is skyrocketing?
This episode of Positive Charge takes listeners inside a private session at The Climate Pledge Hub featuring Kara Hurst, chief sustainability officer at Amazon, and Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize. Plus, we meet Franco Rodr&iacute;guez Viau, a Gen Z founder whose AI startup is detecting wildfires faster than NASA.
From navigating Amazon&rsquo;s $200 billion AI infrastructure push to turning climate fatigue into "positive tipping points," this conversation explores how radical transparency, buyer alliances and youth-led innovation can accelerate climate solutions.&nbsp;
Tune in to hear why climate action could be the most unifying human mission in history &mdash; and why the future of sustainability relies on inviting everyone in.
Sources and references
Interviews:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/karahhurst/">Kara Hurst</a>, chief sustainability officer for Amazon</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-knauf-lvo-b47a106b/">Jason Knauf</a>, CEO of<a href="https://earthshotprize.org/"> The Earthshot Prize</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/franco-viau/?locale=en">Franco Rodr&iacute;guez Viau</a>, CEO and co-founder of<a href="https://www.satellitesonfire.com/"> Satellites on Fire</a></li>
</ul>
Additional sources:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://earthshotprize.org/news/the-tipping-points-playbook-the-earthshot-prize-and-the-university-of-exeter-reveal-how-to-make-environmental-repair-unstoppable/">"The new tipping points playbook: The Earthshot Prize and the University of Exeter reveal how to make environmental repair unstoppable"</a>, The Earthshot Prize</li>
</ul>
Positive Charge is hosted by Lisa Stiffler and Laura Scott, and edited and produced by Laura Scott, with editorial assistance from Todd Bishop. This episode was sponsored by Amazon and The Climate Pledge.

Positive Charge by GeekWire explores the technology breakthroughs working to solve the planet's biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. Hosted by GeekWire's Lisa Stiffler and audio producer Laura Scott, each episode goes inside the labs, companies, and wild places of the Pacific Northwest — and beyond — to meet the creators, champions, and consumers bringing bold climate innovations to life.

This is a podcast about hope. The planet faces real challenges, but there are smart, passionate people working hard to address them — whether they're chasing clean energy, treating persistent "forever chemicals," or rethinking sustainability from the ground up. We profile those people and the breakthroughs giving us reason for optimism.

Brought to you by Amazon Sustainability.

Positive Charge by GeekWire explores the technology breakthroughs working to solve the planet's biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. Hosted by GeekWire's Lisa Stiffler and audio producer Laura Scott, each episode goes inside the labs, companies, and wild places of the Pacific Northwest &mdash; and beyond &mdash; to meet the creators, champions, and consumers bringing bold climate innovations to life.
This is a podcast about hope. The planet faces real challenges, but there are smart, passionate people working hard to address them &mdash; whether they're chasing clean energy, treating persistent "forever chemicals," or rethinking sustainability from the ground up. We profile those people and the breakthroughs giving us reason for optimism.
Brought to you by Amazon Sustainability.

Positive Charge by GeekWire

Positive Charge by GeekWire explores the technology breakthroughs working to solve the planet's biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. Hosted by GeekWire's Lisa Stiffler and journalist/producer Laura Scott, each episode goes inside the labs, companies, and wild places of the Pacific Northwest and beyond to meet the creators, champions, and consumers bringing bold climate innovations to life.

This is a podcast about hope. The planet faces real challenges, but there are smart, passionate people working hard to address them — whether they're chasing clean energy, treating persistent "forever chemicals," or rethinking sustainability from the ground up. We profile those people and the breakthroughs giving us reason for optimism.

Brought to you by Amazon Sustainability.

Positive Charge by GeekWire explores the technology breakthroughs working to solve the planet's biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. Hosted by GeekWire's Lisa Stiffler and journalist/producer Laura Scott, each episode goes inside the labs, companies, and wild places of the Pacific Northwest and beyond to meet the creators, champions, and consumers bringing bold climate innovations to life.
This is a podcast about hope. The planet faces real challenges, but there are smart, passionate people working hard to address them &mdash; whether they're chasing clean energy, treating persistent "forever chemicals," or rethinking sustainability from the ground up. We profile those people and the breakthroughs giving us reason for optimism.
Brought to you by Amazon Sustainability.

Climate Week NYC: Amazon's Kara Hurst on AI data centers; Earthshot's Jason Knauf on climate optimism

More than 40 years after the debut of the first commercial veggie burger, the alternative protein sector has evolved far beyond dry bean patties. Today, food scientists and innovative startups are leveraging plant-based ingredients, precision fermentation and cell-cultivation to recreate the taste, texture and nutritional profile of meat while reducing the serious environmental and ethical impacts of industrial animal agriculture.

This episode of Positive Charge dives into the technology, economics and consumer psychology behind the next generation of sustainable foods. The journey begins with a visit to Seattle-area startup Rebellyous Foods to sample faux chicken nuggets designed for public school lunchrooms, built using automated, continuous manufacturing processes to lower costs. Then, the conversation turns to our four-legged friends with Jiminy's, a company selling insect-based, eco-friendly dog kibble and treats that provide protein plus soothing some canine allergies. 

Finally, the episode checks in with the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at NC State to tackle the broader questions facing the industry. From breaking down consumer skepticism and navigating the "ultra-processed" food debate to scaling complex biomanufacturing processes, this discussion explores what it will take to transform alternative proteins from a niche technology into a staple on everyday dinner plates — and in pet bowls.

Sources and references

Interviews:
Rohan Shirwaiker, distinguished professor and director of the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University
Christie Lagally Bradburn, founder and CEO of Rebellyous Foods
Anne Carlson, founder and CEO of Jiminy's

Additional sources:
"The History of the Veggie Burger," Smithsonian Magazine, March 19, 2014
Analyzing plant-based meat & seafood sales, Good Food Institute, 2025 data
"An Extension Guide to Alternative Proteins," Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at NC State
"Environmental Impacts of Food Production," Our World in Data
"This plant-based chicken startup is bucking alt-protein trends with a new production milestone," GeekWire, Jan. 5, 2026
"The truth about cats’ and dogs’ environmental impact," UCLA, Aug. 2, 2017

Lisa's favorite protein nut balls:
1 C old-fashioned oats
1 C peanut butter, other nut butter, or combo
⅓ C honey
⅓ C chopped, roasted nuts (peanuts, almonds, pecans, etc.)
⅓ C semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (chips or chopped)
2 Tbs protein powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp cinnamon 
½ tsp salt
⅓ C shredded coconut (optional)
2 Tbs chia seeds (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
Form into balls measuring about 2 Tbs, arrange on a pie tin or plate, chill.

This episode was hosted by Lisa Stiffler and Laura Scott, and edited and produced by Laura Scott, with editorial assistance from Todd Bishop. Sponsored by Amazon Sustainability.

More than 40 years after the debut of the first commercial veggie burger, the alternative protein sector has evolved far beyond dry bean patties. Today, food scientists and innovative startups are leveraging plant-based ingredients, precision fermentation and cell-cultivation to recreate the taste, texture and nutritional profile of meat while reducing the serious environmental and ethical impacts of industrial animal agriculture.
This episode of Positive Charge dives into the technology, economics and consumer psychology behind the next generation of sustainable foods. The journey begins with a visit to Seattle-area startup Rebellyous Foods to sample faux chicken nuggets designed for public school lunchrooms, built using automated, continuous manufacturing processes to lower costs. Then, the conversation turns to our four-legged friends with Jiminy's, a company selling insect-based, eco-friendly dog kibble and treats that provide protein plus soothing some canine allergies.&nbsp;
Finally, the episode checks in with the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at NC State to tackle the broader questions facing the industry. From breaking down consumer skepticism and navigating the "ultra-processed" food debate to scaling complex biomanufacturing processes, this discussion explores what it will take to transform alternative proteins from a niche technology into a staple on everyday dinner plates &mdash; and in pet bowls.
Sources and references
Interviews:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohan-shirwaiker/">Rohan Shirwaiker</a>, distinguished professor and director of the<a href="https://bezoscenter.ncsu.edu/"> Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christie-lagally-bradburn-875b9a4/">Christie Lagally Bradburn</a>, founder and CEO of<a href="https://www.rebellyous.com/"> Rebellyous Foods</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetcarlson/">Anne Carlson</a>, founder and CEO of<a href="https://jiminys.com"> Jiminy's</a></li>
</ul>
Additional sources:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/history-veggie-burger-180950163/">"The History of the Veggie Burger,"</a> Smithsonian Magazine, March 19, 2014</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://gfi.org/resource/analyzing-plant-based-meat-and-seafood-sales/">Analyzing plant-based meat &amp; seafood sales</a>, Good Food Institute, 2025 data</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://bezoscenter.ncsu.edu/understanding-the-science-of-alternative-proteins/">"An Extension Guide to Alternative Proteins,"</a> Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at NC State</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://ourworldindata.org/environmental-impacts-of-food">"Environmental Impacts of Food Production,"</a> Our World in Data</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/this-plant-based-chicken-startup-is-bucking-alt-protein-trends-with-a-new-production-milestone/">"This plant-based chicken startup is bucking alt-protein trends with a new production milestone,"</a> GeekWire, Jan. 5, 2026</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/the-truth-about-cats-and-dogs-environmental-impact">"The truth about cats&rsquo; and dogs&rsquo; environmental impact,"</a> UCLA, Aug. 2, 2017</li>
</ul>
Lisa's favorite protein nut balls:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">1 C old-fashioned oats</li>
<li aria-level="1">1 C peanut butter, other nut butter, or combo</li>
<li aria-level="1">⅓ C honey</li>
<li aria-level="1">⅓ C chopped, roasted nuts (peanuts, almonds, pecans, etc.)</li>
<li aria-level="1">⅓ C semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (chips or chopped)</li>
<li aria-level="1">2 Tbs protein powder</li>
<li aria-level="1">1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li aria-level="1">&frac14; tsp cinnamon&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">&frac12; tsp salt</li>
<li aria-level="1">⅓ C shredded coconut (optional)</li>
<li aria-level="1">2 Tbs chia seeds (optional)</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Form into balls measuring about 2 Tbs, arrange on a pie tin or plate, chill.</li>
</ol>
This episode was hosted by Lisa Stiffler and Laura Scott, and edited and produced by Laura Scott, with editorial assistance from Todd Bishop. Sponsored by Amazon Sustainability.

From plant nuggets to bug kibble: Inside the alternative protein revolution

The world faces a glut of used EV batteries at the same time it's facing a clean energy crisis as data centers and other users are gobbling up power. But some sustainability entrepreneurs have figured out how to take one of those problems to solve the other. They are repurposing electric vehicle batteries to provide affordable, climate-friendly electricity. 

In this episode of Positive Charge, we’ll go inside Moment Energy's massive new production facility in British Columbia to see how retired EV batteries are being resurrected into mega batteries that bring power to off-grid communities, industrial sites and businesses. We’ll talk to battery pioneers at Redwood Materials, which deployed the world's largest used-battery and solar installation in Nevada to electrify an AI data center. 

And we'll seek answers to a critical question: Can yesterday's commute power today's AI boom and our clean energy future? 

Sources and references

Interviews:
Eddy Chiang, CEO and co-founder at Moment Energy
Colin Campbell, chief technology officer at Redwood Materials
Scott Williams, vice president of energy at Crusoe
Grayson Shor, founder and executive director of the Pacific Northwest Battery Collaborative, and co-founder and chief product officer of Buckstop, a circular-economy startup focused on the recovery of minerals and other valuable materials

Additional sources:
"Electric-Vehicle Battery Basics" (Car and Driver)
"How long do EV batteries last" (Recurrent)
God's Pocket Resort eco-lodge

This episode was hosted by Lisa Stiffler and Laura Scott, and edited and produced by Laura Scott, with editorial assistance from Todd Bishop. Sponsored by Amazon Sustainability. 

The world faces a glut of used EV batteries at the same time it's facing a clean energy crisis as data centers and other users are gobbling up power. But some sustainability entrepreneurs have figured out how to take one of those problems to solve the other. They are repurposing electric vehicle batteries to provide affordable, climate-friendly electricity.&nbsp;
In this episode of <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/positivecharge/">Positive Charge</a>, we&rsquo;ll go inside Moment Energy's massive new production facility in British Columbia to see how retired EV batteries are being resurrected into mega batteries that bring power to off-grid communities, industrial sites and businesses. We&rsquo;ll talk to battery pioneers at Redwood Materials, which deployed the world's largest used-battery and solar installation in Nevada to electrify an AI data center.&nbsp;
And we'll seek answers to a critical question: Can yesterday's commute power today's AI boom and our clean energy future?&nbsp;
Sources and references
Interviews:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/chiangedward">Eddy Chiang</a>, CEO and co-founder at<a href="https://www.momentenergy.com/"> Moment Energy</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-campbell-ba62b81/">Colin Campbell</a>, chief technology officer at<a href="https://www.redwoodmaterials.com"> Redwood Materials</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-williams-39144b34/">Scott Williams</a>, vice president of energy at<a href="https://www.crusoe.ai/"> Crusoe</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmshor/">Grayson Shor</a>, founder and executive director of the<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/pnwbatterycollaborative/posts/"> Pacific Northwest Battery Collaborative</a>, and co-founder and chief product officer of<a href="https://www.buckstop.com/"> Buckstop</a>, a circular-economy startup focused on the recovery of minerals and other valuable materials</li>
</ul>
Additional sources:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a43093875/electric-vehicle-battery/">"Electric-Vehicle Battery Basics"</a> (Car and Driver)</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.recurrentauto.com/research/how-long-do-ev-batteries-last">"How long do EV batteries last"</a> (Recurrent)</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.godspocket.com/">God's Pocket Resort</a> eco-lodge</li>
</ul>
This episode was hosted by Lisa Stiffler and Laura Scott, and edited and produced by Laura Scott, with editorial assistance from Todd Bishop. Sponsored by Amazon Sustainability.&nbsp;

Your used EV battery isn’t dead — it’s being resurrected to power the grid

Most climate news these days is grim, but on a sunny rooftop in downtown Seattle during Pacific Northwest Climate Week, the mood was surprisingly upbeat. In this episode of Positive Charge, we pull eight climate tech investors and startup founders away from the happy hour cocktails to get their unfiltered real talk on where the industry is actually heading.

The optimism isn't rooted in wishful thinking or environmental altruism — it’s built on solid business fundamentals. From calling out "tourist cash" chasing overhyped AI data centers and nuclear tech to doubling down on unsexy workhorses like grid upgrades, solar breakthroughs, and ag-tech, these insiders reveal where real money is flowing and why cleaner solutions are simply winning on economics.

We distill their rooftop confessions down to four major themes driving clean tech forward — plus one crucial bonus takeaway on why technology alone will never be enough to save us. Tune in to hear what has climate leaders excited, what makes them worried, and why the future of sustainability is shifting from bleeding wallets to serious green.

Sources and references

Interviews:
Jonathan Azoff, co-founder and general partner of the venture capital firm SNØCAP
Yi Jean Chow, investment partner with Clean Energy Ventures
Mike Dieterich, author and sustainability executive for Decarb Advisory
Ben Shwab Eidelson, co-founder and partner of Stepchange Ventures, co-host of the Stepchange Show podcast
Karin Kidder, executive director of E8, a Pacific Northwest-based climate angel organization
Duncan Logan, co-founder and CEO of 9Zero, a climate innovation hub with Seattle and San Francisco locations
Darian Parrish, founder of PwrOn, a Seattle startup developing portable clean power
Susan Su, partner at the venture capital firm Toba Capital and founder of the podcast and Substack Climate Money

Additional sources:
PNW Climate Week, organizer of the annual event
It's Electric, an EV charging startup mentioned by Karin Kidder
LazeraH, a nuclear startup pursuing muon-catalyzed fusion mentioned by Jonathon Azoff

This episode was hosted by Lisa Stiffler and Laura Scott, and edited and produced by Laura Scott, with editorial assistance from Todd Bishop. Sponsored by Amazon Sustainability. 

Most climate news these days is grim, but on a sunny rooftop in downtown Seattle during Pacific Northwest Climate Week, the mood was surprisingly upbeat. In this episode of Positive Charge, we pull eight climate tech investors and startup founders away from the happy hour cocktails to get their unfiltered real talk on where the industry is actually heading.
The optimism isn't rooted in wishful thinking or environmental altruism &mdash; it&rsquo;s built on solid business fundamentals. From calling out "tourist cash" chasing overhyped AI data centers and nuclear tech to doubling down on unsexy workhorses like grid upgrades, solar breakthroughs, and ag-tech, these insiders reveal where real money is flowing and why cleaner solutions are simply winning on economics.
We distill their rooftop confessions down to four major themes driving clean tech forward &mdash; plus one crucial bonus takeaway on why technology alone will never be enough to save us. Tune in to hear what has climate leaders excited, what makes them worried, and why the future of sustainability is shifting from bleeding wallets to serious green.
Sources and references
Interviews:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazoff?utm_source=luma">Jonathan Azoff</a>, co-founder and general partner of the venture capital firm<a href="https://snocap.vc/?utm_source=luma"> SN&Oslash;CAP</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yi-jean-chow/?utm_source=luma">Yi Jean Chow</a>, investment partner with<a href="https://cleanenergyventures.com/?utm_source=luma"> Clean Energy Ventures</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-dieterich/">Mike Dieterich</a>, author and sustainability executive for Decarb Advisory</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/beneidelson/">Ben Shwab Eidelson</a>, co-founder and partner of<a href="https://www.stepchange.vc/?utm_source=luma"> Stepchange Ventures,</a> co-host of the Stepchange Show podcast</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinkidder/">Karin Kidder</a>, executive director of<a href="https://www.e8angels.com/"> E8</a>, a Pacific Northwest-based climate angel organization</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan46/">Duncan Logan</a>, co-founder and CEO of<a href="http://www.9zero.com/"> 9Zero</a>, a climate innovation hub with Seattle and San Francisco locations</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/darianparrish/">Darian Parrish</a>, founder of<a href="https://www.pwron.com"> PwrOn</a>, a Seattle startup developing portable clean power</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/susansu/?utm_source=luma">Susan Su</a>, partner at the venture capital firm<a href="https://tobacapital.com/?utm_source=luma"> Toba Capital</a> and founder of the podcast and Substack<a href="https://climatemoney.substack.com/"> Climate Money</a></li>
</ul>
Additional sources:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://pnwclimateweek.org/">PNW Climate Week</a>, organizer of the annual event</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://itselectric.us/">It's Electric</a>, an EV charging startup mentioned by Karin Kidder</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lazerah.com/">LazeraH</a>, a nuclear startup pursuing muon-catalyzed fusion mentioned by Jonathon Azoff</li>
</ul>
This episode was hosted by Lisa Stiffler and Laura Scott, and edited and produced by Laura Scott, with editorial assistance from Todd Bishop. Sponsored by Amazon Sustainability.&nbsp;

Climate Week NYC: Amazon's Kara Hurst on AI data centers; Earthshot's Jason Knauf on climate optimism

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