Future Tense

Cory Doctorow, Canadian sci-fi author and digital rights activist, discusses the concept of 'enshittification' in platform capitalism. He explores how platforms like Amazon, Facebook, and Uber exploit users and create barriers to exit. Doctorow highlights the need for regulation, breaking up monopolies, and empowering users. He also discusses the impact of cheap capital on platform growth and the urgent need to reclaim power in the digital world.

Learn about the use of 3D scanning technology in architecture and the ongoing reconstruction of Lamb House. Explore the balance between automation and creativity in the industry, as well as the advantages of technology in recording and restoring historic buildings. Discover how AI is being incorporated into architecture, and the potential future roles for architects beyond traditional design.

Science and technology alone cannot solve environmental problems; person-to-person engagement is necessary. The podcast discusses the use of 3D models for rapid deployment in fire management, visualizing sea level rise impacts, using gaming strategy for landscape conservation, and involving humans in finding climate crisis solutions. It also explores the importance of local knowledge and participatory mapping for sustainable solutions.

China's experiment with a digital currency aims to make transactions faster, cheaper, and more efficient. It could give China's currency an edge over the US, but trust, surveillance, and international appeal are crucial. The digital Yuan offers benefits like increased access to financial services and streamlined payments. Despite extensive testing, adoption of the digital currency remains low. China's high adoption of mobile payments and determination to develop a universal digital currency have implications for businesses. China's plan to replace the US dollar with a digital currency and de-dollarize its financial system is progressing through Project Enbridge, offering a more efficient transition away from the dollar.

Philosopher and ethicist Neil McArthur discusses the emergence of AI-based religion and the risks involved. The podcast explores the similarities between AI chatbots and religious leaders, the uncertainty of AI's future, and artists utilizing space as a medium for expression. It also delves into the dangers of space art becoming indulgent and elitist, and the role of the Lunar Codex in inspiring hope amidst challenges.

Trade as a weapon of warfare, need for regulation and global cooperation in the use of sanctions, the rise of economic warfare influenced by COVID-19 and power rivalries, impact of Western sanctions on Russia, risks to globalization due to economic coercion, importance of internal planning for effective sanctions, analyzing the impact of economic warfare through modeling and targeted sanctions.

Exploring unintended consequences in our complex world, from nuclear weapons to green energy. The challenges of global emission reductions and battery recycling. Understanding the distinction between complexity and complication. The impact of refrigeration on food production, diet, and society. The importance of systems thinking in addressing social and environmental challenges.

Exploring how simplification can lead to complexity in tech design. The trade-offs of simplification and overlooking differences. Consequences of oversimplification and stereotyping in politics and the judicial system. Difficulties in understanding the ever-changing social world and dangers of oversimplification.

Exploring the concept of circular economy, challenges to transition, power of regulation, prioritizing climate change, addiction to comfort, coastal adaptation, impact of US election, shaping human behavior.

Cities around the world are implementing congestion pricing schemes to reduce traffic and improve air quality. The podcast explores the effectiveness of these schemes and the challenges of implementing them. It also discusses the role of cities in combatting global warming and the importance of investing in public transit infrastructure. The podcast concludes by examining the potential benefits of implementing a congestion pricing scheme in New York City.