Future Tense

In this conversation, Dr. James Cohen, an expert on online language practices, delves into 'algospeak,' a creative linguistic response to content moderation. Philip Seargeant, a senior lecturer in Applied Linguistics, critiques the flawed idea of a universal language and discusses the limitations of AI translation. Dr. Sali Tagliamonte reveals how teenage women are at the forefront of language change, driving innovation through social media. Together, they explore the interplay between technology and language, highlighting its dynamic evolution.

Dr. Annette Kroen, a Senior Research Fellow specializing in urban challenges, teams up with Dylan Reid, an urbanist and co-founder of Spacing Magazine. They unpack the critical shortage of amenities in new suburbs, highlighting the risk of social isolation. Reid critiques the disconnected design of residential areas that lack main streets, weakening community ties. The duo emphasizes the need for walkable neighborhoods and accessible services to create livable environments, making a case for smart density that protects green space while enhancing urban resilience.

Professor Peter Dawson leads digital heritage at the University of Calgary, and Adam Lowe heads the Factum Foundation in Madrid. They explore the urgent preservation of Herschel Island's cultural legacy amid climate change. The duo discusses creating 'digital twins' using high-tech tools like lidar to capture heritage sites in stunning detail. They also delve into the importance of recording ancient artifacts, merging digital and physical restoration, and utilizing AI to explore cultural narratives, ensuring future generations can connect with their history.

Professor Martin Brueckner critiques the misconception that Australia is swiftly decarbonizing, emphasizing rising emissions from fossil fuel exports. Alison Reeve discusses the challenges facing green hydrogen development, including investment hesitance and competing technologies. Madoc Sheehan highlights crucial resource constraints and water needs for hydrogen production. Meanwhile, Professor Matthew Hill presents innovative membrane technologies for hydrogen storage, paving the way for potentially safer and cost-effective transport solutions.

Nick Bisley, a Professor of international relations at La Trobe University, introduces the concept of 'scrambalisation,' discussing how politics is reshaping globalisation. Ariel Kastner, from the World Economic Forum, shares insights from the Global Cooperation Barometer, revealing a decline in cooperation since 2020 but highlights progress in health and green technology collaboration. They explore the impact of U.S. trade policies on global dynamics and the multi-faceted nature of today's globalisation, emphasizing the exchange of ideas and cultural pluralism.

Join Sanjay Patnaik, Director at the Brookings Institute, Peter Bridgewater, Honorary Professor at ANU, and Anna Trugman from UC Santa Barbara as they delve into the EU's new carbon border tax and its potential impacts on global trade. They discuss the International Maritime Organisation's carbon levy for shipping and its challenges. The discussion also highlights China's Great Green Wall project and innovative techniques to measure tree stress, emphasizing the crucial role forests play in climate change mitigation and resilience.

S. J. Beard, a Senior Research Associate at Cambridge University and author of "Existential Hope," delves into the balance between existential hope and fear, particularly in the face of threats like climate change and AI. He emphasizes the power of community and collective responsibility in addressing these issues. In contrast, Neil Selwyn, Professor at Monash University and author of "Digital Degrowth," critiques current digital trends and advocates for decoupling technology from consumer capitalism to foster sustainability and shared values.

In this discussion, Sarah Lothian, an expert in marine conservation law, Shane Keating, an innovator using AI for shipping, and Julian Barbiere from UNESCO dive into the High Seas Treaty and its role in marine biodiversity. They explore the challenges of global ratification and emphasize the need for cooperation over competition on the oceans. Insights into how uncrewed surface vehicles enhance climate monitoring and the optimization of shipping routes using advanced technology reveal the potential for sustainable ocean use. It's a captivating dive into our oceans' future!

Join Paul Harrison, a consumer behavior expert from Deakin University, and Alex Curmi, a consultant psychiatrist, as they unpack the intricate relationship between convenience and our lives. They discuss how our evolutionary bias for convenience can lead to detrimental social and economic consequences. The conversation touches on the paradox of hyper convenience, the impact on health and resilience, and the hidden costs of a disposable mindset. Listeners are encouraged to reevaluate their consumption habits and reflect on what truly brings fulfillment.

Marion Oswald, a Professor of Law specializing in the ethics of technology in policing, joins former Police Chief Philip Lukens and Nick Evans from the Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies. They discuss the transformative potential of AI in law enforcement, emphasizing the need for ethical guidelines and human oversight. The trio highlights the challenges of bias in algorithmic systems, the importance of transparency, and concerns about police militarization impacting public trust. A riveting exploration of the balance between innovation and accountability!