Future Tense

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!

In this insightful discussion, Jon Whittle, Director at CSIRO, unveils the complexities of AI and its real impact on productivity. Jovan Kurbalija from the Diplo Foundation introduces 'Magic Realism' as a novel approach to AI regulation, emphasizing the importance of balancing creativity with governance. Andreas Schleicher, from the OECD, highlights alarming declines in literacy and problem-solving skills, raising concerns about technology's role in widening skill disparities. Together, they navigate the intertwined futures of technology, education, and societal evolution.

In this engaging discussion, Philip Minderhoud, an expert in land subsidence from Wageningen University, and Anna Hurlimann, a researcher in urban planning from the University of Melbourne, tackle the alarming trend of sinking cities. They reveal that our thirst for water and rapid urban development play critical roles in this phenomenon. The duo calls for a reassessment of urban strategies to address climate impacts, emphasizing the need for sustainable water usage and resilient infrastructure as cities struggle with rising sea levels and subsidence challenges.

Stuart Gietel Basten, a demographer from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, tackles pressing questions about our planet's future. He explores the paradox of an aging population needing more births while considering Earth's limited resources. The conversation dives into global consumption patterns and the concept of Earth Overshoot Day, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices. Gietel Basten advocates for innovative urban designs that accommodate diverse demographics, ensuring our cities evolve to meet the needs of both the elderly and younger generations.