Future Tense

In this intriguing discussion, David Rieff, a writer and journalist, unpacks how forgetting can sometimes be a safer response to global issues. Scott Small, director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, emphasizes the benefits of normal forgetting for brain health. Oliver Hardt, a psychology professor, explores the balance between memory retention and the necessity of forgetting, hinting at how excessive memories can hinder creativity. Together, they reveal how science is reshaping our understanding of memory dynamics, advocating for the power of forgetting in personal and collective contexts.

Join Larisa Yarovaya, an expert in digital finance from the University of Southampton, and Robert Elliott, an economics professor at the University of Birmingham, as they dissect Trump's audacious plan for a US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. They explore the implications of this move on global finance and the crypto market's perception. The duo also tackles the intertwining of cryptocurrency with U.S. politics, raising critical questions about regulation, insider trading, and the potential conflicts of interest stemming from political involvement in digital currencies.

James Kerry, a Senior Marine and Climate Scientist, and Brad Ack, CEO of Ocean Visions, dive into the potential of oceans as carbon sinks. They discuss innovative marine carbon dioxide removal (MCDR) methods and the challenges that accompany them. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration and effective regulatory frameworks to avoid ecological harm. They also critique current carbon markets, advocating for a transformative approach that emphasizes accountability and responsible practices for the future of climate action.

Ryan McGrady, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Massachusetts, sheds light on YouTube's hidden depths and misconceptions, emphasizing its complex user engagement. Michael Inzlicht, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto, explores the often-overlooked benefits of boredom, revealing its role as a catalyst for exploration and creativity. The conversation dives into how digital distractions can amplify boredom, advocating for meaningful engagement to combat the issue. Together, they uncover the transformative power of boredom in our fast-paced world.

We like to think that increases in efficiency lead to greater sustainability – to lower resource use. But from cars to computers to bitcoin, it seems the reverse is true – efficiency stimulates demand. It’s an oft forgotten rule of economics called the Jevons Paradox, and it might explain why the demand for almost everything keeps going up even while we simultaneously fret about over-consumption. Also, would you accept a parcel from a stranger, take it on the bus or train with you, and then deliver it to another stranger for a small fee?  It might sound dodgy when you put it like that, but it’s part of an emerging delivery trend call “crowdshipping”. And proponents say it’s about reducing the environmental impact of transport. GuestsDr Blair Fix – Political economist, York University (Canada) Dr Adam Dorr – Director of Research, Rethink Professor Lynette Cheah – Chair of Sustainable Transport, University of the Sunshine Coast  Further informationBlair Fix article - A Tour of the Jevons Paradox: How Energy Efficiency BackfiresAdam Dorr’s article - Rethinking the Jevons Paradox: why more clean energy efficiency is good for the environment

Sumit Paul-Choudhury, a former astrophysicist and current Managing Director at Alternity, discusses the transformative power of optimism and its role in driving humanity forward. He warns against the pitfalls of 'manifesting' without action. Joining him, Inanna Hamati-Ataya, a global relations expert, argues for the benefits of globalization, stating there are no pure cultures. Meanwhile, Laura D'Olimpio, an education philosopher, challenges the notion of manifesting as mere wishful thinking, emphasizing the need for community-oriented values.

Zena Assaad, a senior lecturer in human-machine relationships, Toby Walsh, a renowned AI expert, and Collin Jennings, a critical writer on the internet's evolution, dive deeply into AI's hidden labor forces. They discuss the often-overlooked data labelers in developing countries and their harsh working conditions. The conversation also ventures into the shift towards a linkless internet, questioning how AI-driven summaries affect the credibility and verification of online information, calling for a reevaluation of ethical responsibilities in tech.

Annalee Newitz, a journalist and author known for her incisive takes on futurism, joins Jonathan White, a politics professor at the London School of Economics specializing in far-right ideologies. They discuss the echoes of the early 20th-century Futurism movement in today's tech landscape. The conversation reveals how disruption narratives appeal during societal decline and draw parallels between tech moguls and historical fascism. They also dissect the contrasting political visions competing for the public's attention amidst rising authoritarianism.

Does modern economic thinking act as a roadblock to change? Economists Kate Raworth and Rainer Kattel certainly think so. The alternatives they propose involve acknowledging limits not just obsessing about growth. And a caution from design and management expert Raz Godelink – it always pays to be skeptical when big business puts on the sustainability suit. GuestsKate Raworth – Economist and co-founder of Doughnut Economics Action Lab Raz Godelnik – Associate Professor of Strategic Design and Management at the School of Design Strategies, Parson's School of Design Rainer Kattel – Deputy Director and Professor of Innovation and Public Governance, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, University College London 

It certainly feels like a very shouty world. But have we really reached a new low point in civility? And, if so, where to from here?We examine what civility really entails and how it can help foster cooperation but also lead to the submission of minorities.And did you know that even the design of our urban spaces can shape and limit acts of civility? So, how can we make our cities more sociable?GuestsDr Eduardo Sadoval — Social Roboticist, UNSWDr Saara Liinamaa — Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph. Also, co-investigator, Sociable Cities ProjectRafi Kohan — US-based freelance writer and authorDr Keith Bybee — Professor of Law and Political Science, Syracuse UniversityFurther informationRafi Kohan - Trash Talk: The Only Book About Destroying Your Rivals That Isn’t Total GarbageKeith Bybee - How Civility WorksSociable Cities Project