Future Tense

In this engaging discussion, Leo Crabe, an independent researcher and former diplomat, emphasizes the unique chance for Canada and Australia to influence global governance. Roy Green, a Special Innovation Advisor, introduces 'Ozanada,' a fictional nation symbolizing the potential union of the two countries. They explore why these close allies remain largely unfamiliar with each other, highlight the significance of strategic collaboration, and ponder how working together can enhance their roles on the world stage amidst global uncertainties.

In this discussion, Sean Watts, a law professor at West Point, Lee Fennell from the University of Chicago, and Barry de Vries, a research fellow at Justus Liebig University, explore the fragile state of international arms control. They delve into the resurgence of landmine use and the challenges posed by AI-controlled weapons. The guests debate the ethical dilemmas nations face between defense and treaty obligations amidst geopolitical tensions. Their insights highlight the nonlinear nature of progress in law and warfare, advocating for deeper reflection on societal change.

Steven Freeland, an Emeritus Professor and expert in space law, joins an intriguing discussion on moving data servers beyond Earth. They explore the potential of using solar energy in space for data storage, addressing both environmental concerns and the regulatory challenges this raises. The conversation touches on innovative projects aimed at establishing orbital and lunar data centers while navigating international treaties. With the rise of satellites and space debris, they also emphasize the importance of sustainable practices in this new frontier.

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.