In this Ready Living Podcast episode, sustainability and technology leader Tom Raftery pulls back the curtain on the myth that renewable energy isn’t powerful enough to fuel the world’s future.
He exposes the forces behind this engineered narrative, why it persists, and calls for accountability on part of fossil fuel companies, their financial enablers, and the public relations firms that have spent decades manufacturing doubt about climate science.
He explains how terms like “clean coal” and “renewable natural gas” were deliberately created to sanitize harmful emissions, while the concept of “personal carbon footprint” was invented to shift responsibility away from major emitters.
And although individuals’ choices matter, he argues that they pale in comparison to the need for structural change, public-sector leadership, and accountability on part of the wealthiest 1% whose emissions surpass those of millions.
He also talks about the geopolitical and economic forces shaping the future of energy, highlighting the explosive global growth of renewables, particularly China’s extraordinary clean-tech industrialization, which contrasts with the United States’ recent retreat from climate leadership.
Rich in data and sharply drawn analogies, he explains what the real numbers reveal about clean power’s increasing rise and why the economic case for renewable energy has never been stronger.
On a scale of one to ten, Paull Young’s positivity is a self-described full-on ten. It’s been his greatest asset in driving meaningful change in sustainability and climate action, and in inspiring others to believe in the possibility of a better future.
Paull is the Head of Sustainability at GitHub. Before this, he spent nine years at Meta, where he was the GTM & partnerships lead for the since-disbanded climate product team, including working as acting Product Manager for the Regeneration vertical. He also led the nonprofit partnership team as they raised the first $1B on Facebook, and built the Product Partnerships function at Instagram. Earlier in his career, he was the Director of Digital at the nonprofit charity: water, which helps bring clean and safe water to people around the world.
Paull’s passion for social good was shaped by his early experiences watching his veterinarian father care for animals. This upbringing instilled in him a lifelong focus on trying to have a real impact for the greatest number possible.
He is a strong believer in the potential of technology, particularly AI, to accelerate climate progress. Paull envisions GitHub Copilot becoming a leader in empowering environmental and climate developers to create projects that can save the planet. He also emphasizes the power of storytelling, citing Netflix as a company that excels at providing a platform for and elevating climate voices.
On a personal level, becoming a parent deepened Paull’s commitment to creating a better world for future generations. This drive has led him to create custom ChatGPTs like “Kids Meal Mate” and the “ICPP Climate Science Helper” to make vital information readily accessible. His podcast, “Climate Dads,” is another passion project that reflects his dedication.
Through all his efforts, Paull aims to empower individuals to help shape a more sustainable future for their families, their communities, and the world at large.
