Future Tense

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.

Rethink productivity by focusing on outcomes instead of output. Benefit corporations prioritize social and environmental goals. Compulsory savings model to control inflation. Embrace stakeholder capitalism and solve global problems. Legal structures and certifications for benefit corporations. Shift from fiscal to monetary policy dominance in managing inflation.

Scientists are experimenting with sound to try and lure seabirds back to depleted environments. But not just any sounds – we're talking about the coos and calls associated with breeding. It's all part of an ecological approach called Acoustic Restoration and its already having an impact on Palmyra Atoll – a remote island halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa. It's hoped the acoustic approach can revive many different kinds of ecosystems, even after natural disasters — when nothing is left. Also, why machine learning is causing a reproducibility crisis in Science; and ongoing research into 3D-printing food.

Around two billion air conditioners are currently in use across the globe but the amount of electricity they use is not sustainable, so what are some alternatives?

Chatbots and other forms of interactive AI aren't just shaping our online preferences, they're gradually redefining the contours of what we mean by love, sexuality and intimacy. Sociologist Anthony Elliott warns the impacts will be society-wide, not just personal. Also, do we need a set of general principles for managing chatbot liability in the absence of regulation? And how the rights of children are being overlooked in the hyper-contructed world of the "momfluencer".