Future Tense

Sarah Marquart, a freelance journalist and editor at From Quarks to Quasars, shares her insights on the ambitious yet troubling concept of solar roads. She discusses the initial excitement and the disillusioning reality of projects in France and China. Dr. Paul Sutter, an astrophysicist at SUNY Stony Brook, explores the exhilarating yet complex world of space tourism, contrasting billionaire ambitions with the realities faced by established companies. Together, they unpack the hurdles that have plagued innovative ideas in tech and space travel.

Professor Thomas Hale, a global public policy expert from Oxford, discusses the UN's Declaration on Future Generations and its potential significance. Professor Brett Bowden critiques our obsession with the present and its impact on visionary thinking. Meanwhile, Professor Julia Backmann shares insights from Germany's four-day work week trial, revealing its effects on productivity and employee well-being. The conversation navigates moral obligations, ethical governance, and the balance between present enjoyment and future stewardship.

Julian Fell, an ABC News Story Lab journalist, explores the sneaky security risks of robot vacuum cleaners. Dennis Giese, a savvy independent security researcher, demonstrates just how easy it is to hack these devices. They reveal shocking stories, like Daniel Swenson's experience, where racial slurs were yelled from his hacked vacuum. Donald Dansereau, a senior lecturer in robotics, shares insights on privacy concerns and the pressing need for better protection in our increasingly connected homes.

This discussion features Clayton Page Aldern, a neuroscientist and author, Dr. Burcin Ikiz, Chair of the International Neuro Climate Working Group, and Professor Joshua Carlson from North Michigan University. They dive into how climate change negatively affects mental health, increasing climate anxiety and altering brain function. The presence of neurotoxins linked to extreme weather is unveiled as a hidden crisis contributing to neurological diseases. The conversation also explores the concept of neuroplasticity, highlighting both the challenges and potential resilience in facing these eco-psychological impacts.

Join Ken Storey, a Biology Professor, alongside experts Saffron Bryant, Marlys Houck, and Justine O’Brien as they dive into the astonishing world of cryopreservation. Discover how the incredible wood frog’s ability to freeze and survive inspires advancements in organ preservation. They discuss the Frozen Zoo’s role in conserving genetic diversity across species and the unique challenges of preserving different animal cells. Plus, explore the promising potential of biobanks in restoring coral ecosystems and safeguarding biodiversity for the future.

Madison Griffiths, a Melbourne-based writer and artist, joins Bryony Cole, host of the Future of Sex podcast, Professor Alan McKee, an expert in pornography research, and Ashley Neale, founder of My Peach AI. They delve into the booming world of sex tech and its ethical dilemmas, especially around consent. Topics include the troubling risks of AI in sexual contexts, the provocative nature of new products, and how tech can perpetuate misogyny. They advocate for empathetic designs in technology, emphasizing the crucial need for diverse voices in the industry.

Paul Barnes, a Senior Research Fellow focused on disaster resilience, and Alastair Stark, a Lecturer in Public Policy researching lesson learning post-crisis, delve into the evolution of China's aggressive wolf warrior diplomacy toward a more cooperative stance. They explore the implications for international relations and discuss how institutional amnesia hampers disaster preparedness in Australia. Their conversation highlights the importance of individual readiness, the necessity for better communication about risks, and the critique of current disaster policies for a more resilient future.

Professor Christoph Nedopil, director of the Asia Institute at Griffith University, discusses the evolution of China's Belt and Road Initiative. He highlights the shift from grand infrastructure to smaller, more sustainable projects, emphasizing green technology. The conversation touches on China's economic challenges and lessons learned about debt and governance. Nedopil explores how this recalibration may reflect both successes and setbacks within the initiative, as well as its implications for China's global influence and diplomatic strategies.

In this insightful discussion, Professor Nick Bisley, Dean at La Trobe University, and Dr. Gorana Grjic, a Senior Researcher at ETH Zürich, dive into the challenges facing democracies in 2024. They explore the significant elections occurring in over 80 countries and the implications for global democracy. Key topics include the rise of hard-right politics in Europe, trust issues in democratic institutions, and the troubling trends in Latin America. The conversation highlights the urgent need for reforms to protect democratic practices.

Sven Brodmerkel, an Assistant Professor specializing in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications, joins the discussion on the aging population. They explore how increasing life expectancy challenges society’s obsession with youth and ageism. Brodmerkel emphasizes the need to reframe perceptions of aging, highlighting the overlooked creativity and contributions of older individuals. The conversation also tackles the underrepresentation of older adults in advertising and the importance of generational balance in the workforce for tapping into diverse talents.