Future Tense

Terms like "Gen Z", "Boomer" and "Millennial" are popular, but they have no basis in science. Demographers and social scientists are now pushing back.Generational labelling, they argue, is akin to Astrology and while politicians, journalists and media influencers find them irresistible, they actually promote pseudo-science, sew social division and can reinforce prejudicial stereotypes.So why are generational labels so popular?Original broadcast on February 9, 2025.GuestsProfessor Bobby Duffy — Director of the Policy Institute, King's College London. Author of The Generation Myth.Professor Philip Coen — Professor of Sociology, University of MarylandProfessor Crystal Abidin — digital anthropologist and ethnographer of vernacular internet cultures, Curtin UniversityProfessor David Costanza — Professor of Commerce, University of VirginiaFurther informationPhilip Coen’s open letter to Pew Research Center on generation labels Pew Research Center's response

It certainly feels like a very shouty world. But have we really reached a new low point in civility? And, if so, where to from here? We examine what civility really entails and how it can help foster cooperation but also lead to the submission of minorities. And did you know that even the design of our urban spaces can shape and limit acts of civility? So, how can we make our cities more sociable?Original broadcast on March 23, 2025.GuestsDr Eduardo Sadoval — Social Roboticist, UNSWDr Saara Liinamaa — Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph. Also, co-investigator, Sociable Cities ProjectRafi Kohan — US-based freelance writer and authorDr Keith Bybee — Professor of Law and Political Science, Syracuse UniversityFurther informationRafi Kohan - Trash Talk: The Only Book About Destroying Your Rivals That Isn’t Total GarbageKeith Bybee - How Civility WorksSociable Cities Project

Rana Sylvatica is an unassuming wood frog with an extraordinary gift. In the depths of winter, it can slow down its metabolism, flood its cells with ice and remain in a state of suspended animation for months. But it's what it might be able to teach us about preserving human organs for transplant that has scientists really excited. Also, the menagerie in an icy test tube — San Diego's Frozen Zoo and the fight to preserve biodiversity.Original broadcast on October 27, 2024.GuestsDr Ken Storey — Professor of Biology and Biochemistry, Carleton University, Canada.Dr Saffron Bryant – Senior lecturer, Department of Physics, RMIT UniversityMarlys Houck – Curator, Frozen Zoo, San Diego Wildlife AllianceDr Justine O’Brien – Manager, Conservation Science,Taronga Conservation Society AustraliaFurther informationYoutube video of a frozen frog thawing

There’s a growing public sense that the current model of the social contract is broken, due in large part to rising inequality and the pursuit of profit over social progress. The “social contract” defines the relationship between citizens, their government and business. Its modern form emerged after WWII and, in western democracies, was largely structured around the principles of the welfare state. It’s about equity, order and trust. So, does the essence of the social contract still have value? And if so, how can it make fit for purpose in the 21st century? Original broadcast on January 28. 2024.GuestsProfessor Sandra Sucher – Professor of Management Practice, Harvard Business School Dave Cook – Department of Anthropology, University College London Aron Cramer – President and CEO, BSR – Business for Social Responsibility Professor Marc Fleurbaey – Paris School of Economics Further informationIPSP - International Panel on Social Progress report

Sometimes, despite the hype, despite extensive funding, and despite clever and ingenious thinking, good ideas fail. Or at least don’t live up to their initial promise. There are lessons to be learnt and interesting anecdotes to be told. In this episode we look at four future-focused projects that have never really taken off: Google Glass, solar roads, space tourism and hyperloop technology. Original broadcast on November 24, 2024.GuestsDr Paul Sutter – Astrophysicist, SUNY Stony Brook and the Flatiron Institute, New York Sarah Marquart – freelance journalist, editor of From Quarks to QuasarsAndrew Hawkins – Transportation editor, The Verge Quinn Myers – Chicago-based journalist and author 'Google Glass'

This is the program’s final episode and, as such, we look back over the past 17 years. What did the future look like back in 2009 when the show first aired? What have been the major trends during that time? Which predictions came to fruition and which didn’t? And what cautions do our guests have as we look ahead? GuestsMica Sifry – US-based writer and editor Neema Singh Guliani – lawyer and policy expert Cory Doctorow – Canadian-British blogger, journalist and sci-fi author Professor Michael Mann – climatologist and geophysicist Associate Professor James Dyke - Earth Systems Science, University of Exeter Assistant Professor Sven Brodmerkel – Faculty of Society and Design, Bond University Professor Quassim Cassam – Department of Philosophy, University of Warwick Associate Professor Laura D’Olimpio – School of Education, University of Birmingham Effy – chatbot user Professor Frank Pasquale – Cornell Tech and Cornell Law School

How many of the articles you see on the internet are actually written by AI, not by humans? We'll give you a figure based on the latest research. Also, why is Google moving away from its well-established search-engine algorithm in favour of AI-generated summaries; The importance of remembering that urban planning isn't just about buildings, it's about people and spaces; And how digital technology is opening up a new relationship between humans and animals.GuestsMegan Morrone – Tech editor, Axios Dr Collin Jennings – academic and author David George Holm – architect and author Dr David Roberts - Associate Professor of Computer Science, North Carolina State University Sari – the most adorable, black cat

Designing a futuristic city is a fraught task — a mixture of ambition, state of the art technology, inevitable budget blowouts and the need to not just inspire, but awe. We get an update on the progress of two mega metropolises — Xiongan in China and Neom in Saudi Arabia. Also, how a better understanding of the brain can help deter future conflicts.GuestsDr Andrew Stokols — Assistant Professor of Urban Studies, Singapore Management UniversityEliot Brown — London-based reporter, Wall Street JournalDr Nicholas Wright — Neuroscientist, University College London and Georgetown University

The global Covid 19 lockdown may seem like an eternity ago, but the threat of another full-scale pandemic has never resided. Scientists warn that as the Arctic permafrost continues to melt ancient viruses and bacteria are gradually being freed from the ice. The risks are significant, but researchers are working to identify potential threats and better prepare the world for future pandemics. Uppermost in many minds is the need to ensure future global cooperation in the event of another zoonotic outbreak. Original broadcast on March 26, 2023.GuestsDr Christine Prat – Director of Operations, European Virus Archive Dr Jean-Michel Claverie – Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Aix-Marseille University Dr Aaron Bernstein – Director, The Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Negotiations over a global treaty on microplastics have broken down. So, where to from here for one of the world's biggest environmental threats? We also get an update on new efforts to clean-up the cement production industry; and we look at AI chatbots and the increasing role they're playing as sources of advice and emotional support.GuestsDr Pratik Sachdeva — Senior Data Scientist, D-Lab, University of California, BerkeleyDr Shababa Selim — Senior Technology Analyst, IDTechEXProfessor Paul Fennell — Professor of Clean Energy, Imperial College LondonProfessor Jill Newby — Clinical psychologist, The Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales

It's exactly three years since ChatGPT burst onto the scene. In that short period of time the process of academic assessment has been in upheaval. Across the world educators are trying to address how students should be assessed and whether AI can be used for more than just helping a student to cheat. But a growing number of education researchers say the real emphasis should be on promoting critical thinking and ensuring future students learn how to learn.GuestsProfessor Dragan Gasevic — Head of the Centre for Learning Analytics, Monash UniversityProfessor Neil Selwyn — School of Education, Culture and Society, Monash UniversityProfessor Rupert Wegerif — Faculty of Education, University of CambridgeProfessor Phillip Dawson — Co-Director of the Centre for Research in Assessment and Digital Learning, Deakin University

In this programme we hear three thoughtful perspectives on the threat digital technologies pose for democracy. Henry Farrell from Johns Hopkins University argues disinformation must be tackled at a group level, not an individual one. Philosopher, John Tasioulas, says modern representative democracy is too easily corrupted by big tech. And AI specialist, Marcus Beard, introduces us to the phenomenon he calls "slopaganda".GuestsProfessor John Tasioulas — ethicist and immediate former Director of the Institute for Ethics and AI, University of OxfordProfessor Henry Farrell — Political Scientist, Johns Hopkins UniversityMarcus Beard — Digital, disinformation and AI specialist, Fenimore Harper CommunicationsFurther informationHenry Farrell - We're getting the social media crisis wrongJohn Tasioulas - The classical key to the AI revolution

Long before AI dominated the media hype-cycle, self-driving cars surfed the hyperbolic wave. But fully automated vehicles have now been a long time in development, long enough that we've decided it's time for an update. So, how advanced is the technology and where is the demand? We also find out about consumer attitudes toward the "driver-assist" technologies that are now routinely fitted into modern cars. Surprise, surprise, it seems not everyone wants to be told how to drive.GuestsAssociate Professor Abdesalam Soudi — Sociolinguist, Department of Linguistics, University of PittsburghProfessor Michael Milford — Director of the Centre for Robotics, Queensland University of TechnologyAssociate Professor Milad Haghani — Principal Fellow in Urban Resilience & Mobility, University of MelbourneSönke Iwersen — Co-author of "The Tesla Files". Journalist for German business newspaper Handelsblatt

While technology platforms increasingly dictate the way we write and converse, language is being modified to fight back, to subvert the platforms. In this show we examine the growth of "algospeak". And if you want to know how we'll all be communicating in the future, just listen to the way teenage girls speak, because young women lead the ongoing development of language.Original broadcast on July 7, 2024GuestsDr James Cohen – Assistant Professor, Media Studies, Queens College, City University of New YorkDr Sali Tagliamonte – Professor of linguistics and Chair of the Department of Linguistics, University of TorontoPhilip Seargeant – Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics, Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies, Open University UKFurther informationPhilip Seargeant's book "The Future Of Language"

We build more and more homes for growing urban populations. But doing so without providing much needed amenities doesn't serve our suburbs and the people who live in them. It risks confounding social isolation and urban sprawl. There's also climate change to consider. In a heating world, how do we plan our suburbs to deal with higher temperatures? Are the cities and suburbs of the future going to be livable for our children and our children's children?Rob Kelly investigatesGuestsAndrew Crowe — Demographer for Australian Bureau of StatisticsDr Annette Kroen — Senior Research Fellow at RMIT UniversityProfessor Sebastian Pfautsch — Professor of Urban Planning and Management at Western Sydney University and co-lead in People-centred Sustainable Precinct Design at the Urban Transformations Research CentreDylan Reid — Urbanist, editor, writer and co-founder of Spacing Magazine

The remote Canadian island of Oikiqtaruk is disappearing fast, but its cultural and environmental heritage is being captured in digital form. We talk to those involved in the project about its ambition and their success to date. Also, recreating long lost cultural artefacts. For the Madrid-based organisation Factum Foundation it's a journey of reconnection — a way that future generations can celebrate and cherish the character of their past.GuestsRichard Gordon — Senior Park Ranger, Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park, CanadaProfessor Peter Dawson — Dept. of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of CalgaryAdam Lowe — Director of Factum Arte and founder of Factum Foundation for Digital Technology in ConservationFurther informationFactum FoundationDigitally Preserving Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park

Australian rooftops are resplendent with solar panels, but sustainability expert, Martin Brueckner, warns the popular notion that we're rapidly transitioning away from fossil fuels is deceptive. When you add Australia's fossil fuels exports to our domestic energy usage, he says, it's clear that "decarbonisation is yet to begin in earnest". Also, whatever happened to the dream that Australia could become a world leader in Green Hydrogen production?GuestsAlison Reeve — Energy and Climate change Program Director, Grattan InstituteAdjunct Associate Professor Madoc Sheehan — Researcher, James Cook UniversityProfessor Matthew Hill — Head of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash UniversityProfessor Martin Brueckner — Pro Vice Chancellor Sustainability, Murdoch University

Globalisation isn’t what it used to be thanks to the legacy of the Covid-19 lockdown and, more recently, Donald Trump’s weaponisation of tariffs. But while it’s often given a bad rap, globalisation is about more than just trade, it’s also about the international exchange of ideas and talent. So, is it dying, withering or simply transforming? Listen to Future Tense - How to start your own golden ageGuestsProfessor Richard Baldwin – International Economics, IMD Business School, Switzerland Professor Nick Bisley – International relations, La Trobe University Guy Miller – Chief Market Strategist and Economist, Zurich Insurance Group Ariel Kastner - Head of Geopolitical Agenda, World Economic Forum

The European Union is implementing a groundbreaking new tax: a carbon border tax. It's meant to prevent distortions between countries with differing emissions standards and so to reduce emissions. But will it work? The same can be asked about the International Maritime Organisation's proposed new carbon levy on shipping. Also on the show, an update on the Great Green Wall — China's mass-tree-planting project; and measuring stress in trees to improve resilience.GuestsAssociate Professor Anna Trugman — Department of Geography, University of California, Santa BarbaraHonorary Professor Peter Bridgewater — Centre for Heritage and Museum Studies, Australian National UniversityProfessor Michael Brear — Director, Melbourne Energy Institute, University of MelbourneDr Sanjay Patnaik — Director, Center on Regulation and Markets, Brookings Institute

Existential risks to human life abound, from the threat of nuclear Armageddon; to an uninhabitable planet; or an AI-induced apocalypse. Understanding such risks and how we can best respond to them is the preoccupation of S. J. Beard. But the Cambridge University researcher also speaks of "existential hope", a way of addressing our fears without the doom and despair. Also, Monash University's, Neil Selwyn, makes the call for what he terms "digital degrowth" — decoupling our online world from the shackles of consumer capitalism.GuestsDr S. J. Beard — Senior Research Associate, Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, Cambridge UniversityProfessor Neil Selwyn — Faculty of Education, Monash UniversityFurther informationS.J. Beard - Existential HopeNeil Selwyn - Digital Degrowth: Radically Rethinking our Digital Futures

We're now halfway through the UN-designated "Ocean Decade" — new research initiatives have been launched, and global cooperation has been strengthened as scientists work to learn more about our oceans and to harness their potential in the fight against adverse climate change. But there are still questions to be answered:How firm are the commitments made under the Ocean Decade arrangement?Why are many countries still lagging behind in ratifying the "High Seas" treaty?And what will a reduction in US funding mean for ongoing ocean research?Also, the ocean-going drones deployed to improve climate monitoring; and a new system for helping ships navigate more efficiently.GuestsJulian Barbiere — Head of the Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO; also Ocean Decade CoordinatorDr Meghan Cronin — Research Oceanographer, NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory; and co-chair of the Observing Air-Sea Interactions Strategy (OASIS), an endorsed programme of the UN Ocean DecadeDr Shane Keating — Associate professor, University of New South Wales; also founder of the company CounterCurrentDr Sarah Lothian — Senior lecturer and Academic Barrister, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of WollongongFurther informationUN Ocean DecadeSarah Lothian — Marine Conservation and International Law, Legal Instruments for Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction

Humans have an evolutionary bias toward seeking convenience, experts say. But what happens when the desire for convenience becomes a dominant social and economic expectation? Future Tense explores the hidden costs of convenience for the environment and the economy. Making things too easy can in fact be bad for you.GuestsAlison Angus — Head of Practice – Innovation Research, EuromonitorDr Paul Harrison — Director of MBA Programme, Deakin University. Unit Chair of Consumer Behaviour, Department of Marketing, Deakin Business SchoolSloan Wilkins — Founder and Financial Coach, Everyday Money LiveDr Alex Curmi — Consultant psychiatristChris Williams — Founder and Chief Executive, ISB Global

Policing has always embraced new technologies and Artificial Intelligence is, of course, the flavour of the month. Working out when and why it should be used is crucial, according to law enforcement specialists. What’s also important is ensuring appropriate human oversight. Future Tense - The creeping militarisation of our policeGuestsDr Marion Oswald – Professor of Law, Northumbria University Philip Lukens – Former Police Chief, Alliance, Nebraska. Data-driven policing analyst Dr Nick Evans – Lecturer and researcher, Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies, University of Tasmania Dr Terry Goldsworthy – Associate Professor in Criminology, Bond University

How real is the link between Artificial Intelligence and increased productivity? Jon Whittle from the CSIRO, one of Australia's leading science agencies, has been examining the latest research. He helps us sort facts from fiction. Also, literacy and problem-solving skills have taken a dive in many developed countries — could an over-reliance on technology be part of the problem? And why understanding the literary style "Magic Realism" could help in developing better regulation for AI.GuestsJovan Kurbalija — Executive Director, Diplo FoundationProfessor Jon Whittle — Data61 Director, CSIROAndreas Schleicher — Director for Education and Skills, OECD

Cities across the world are beginning to sink — some by as much as 10 centimetres a year. A recent study suggests that more than a third of urban Chinese resident now live in a sinking city. The cause is often ascribed to climate change, but is there something else at play? Could our thirst for water actually be the culprit? Also, how much do our urban environments contribute to the heating of the planet? A call to finally get serious about the climate impacts of city design.GuestsJeff Goodell — Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council. New York Times Best Selling author of "The Water Will Come"Dr Philip Minderhoud — Assistant Professor and Veni laureate at the University of WageningenAssociate Professor Anna Hullimann — Melbourne School of Design, University of MelbourneFurther informationJeff Goodell — The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities and the Remaking of the Civilized WorldAnna Hurlimann — Integrating Climate Change Action Across the Built Environment: A Guide for Transformative Action

We face multiple looming demographic crises — and our responses seemingly contradict each other. A rapidly aging population means that we need more children to be born. But it's foreseeable that resources on Earth simply can't sustain many more people.How can we solve this conundrum?Original broadcast on May 22, 2022GuestsDr Stuart Gietel Basten — Professor of Social Science and Policy, Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyDr Marco Amati — Associate professor of International Planning, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT UniversityDeborah Devis — Science CommunicatorDr Anumitra Mirti — Senior Associate — Sustainability, BecaProfessor Nick Parr — Demographer, Macquarie University

South Korea is a test case in how to maintain democracy against sustained pressure from dictatorship. The innovative and entrepreneurial country lives in the shadow of China and Russia, and its capital Seoul lies only 50km from the North Korean border. It hasn't been easy, but the difficulties South Korea faces and the way it deals with them could prove invaluable for other regional neighbours in responding to future economic and military aggression.Journalist Matt Smith has this special report…GuestsDr Troy Lee Brown — Research Fellow, Defense and Security Institute, University of Western AustraliaProfessor Bec Strating — Director, La Trobe Asia and Professor of International Relations at La Trobe UniversityDr Mike Bosack — Special Advisor for Government Relations, Yokosuka Council for Asia-Pacific StudiesDongkeun Lee — Policy Fellow, Asia-Pacific Leadership NetworkDr Duyeon Kim — Adjunct Senior Fellow, Indo-Pacific Security Program, Centre for New American Security

Suffering internal division and stymied by geopolitical bullying, the United Nations is facing a future of diminishing influence. As the organisation marks its 80th birthday, it's also dealing with a serious financial shortfall brought on by both China and the United States, its two biggest donors. Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has launched a major internal reform programme, but there are questions about whether his approach will rescue the global body or just cause further damage.GuestsAssociate Professor Chris Ogden — Director of Global Studies, University of AucklandEugene Chen — Senior Fellow, Center on International Cooperation, New York UniversityRichard Gowan — Director of UN Affairs, International Crisis GroupRoland Rich — former Australian ambassador. Director of the United Nations and Global Policy Master of Arts program, Rutgers University

Synthetic biologists are hard at work developing artificial biological molecules as the first step toward developing a mirror cell that would be immune from infection. If they're successful, it could transform the world of medicine. But while the potential of mirror life is great, so too are the risks. There are warnings of a catastrophic impact if the cells can't be controlled. And that's prompted calls for a moratorium on the research.GuestsAssociate Professor Kate Adamala — Synthetic biologist and professor of genetics, University of MinnesotaProfessor Andrew Ellington — Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at AustinProfessor Heather Douglas — Department of Philosophy, Michigan State UniversityAjay Kshatriya — CEO Aizen Therapeutics

What will Earth look like when humans become extinct? What "technofossils" will paleontologists of the future unearth and no doubt ponder over? Will we be remembered for our achievements or merely our rubbish? Also, which animals might rise to fill our role at the top of the pecking order? And is the future of live music really as dire as many predict?GuestsProfessor Sarah Gabbott — Paleobiologist, University of LeicesterJoanna Thompson — Freelance science journalist based in New YorkDr Christen Cornell — Research Fellow and Manager of Research Partnerships, Creative AustraliaMusical artists heard in this episode - Jim Beavis, The RandomiZZZed ExperienceFurther informationListening In Research series

History has many lessons for how to develop a successful civilisation. The trick is to understand the patterns that lead to optimism and innovation. So, where do we rate in the 21st century? Also, why all history is revisionist and why a healthy sense of revisionism drives a deeper understanding of the past, present and future.GuestsJohan Norberg — author and historian. Senior Fellow, Cato institute in Washington DCAssociate Professor Sarah Percy — Political Science and International Studies, University of QueenslandDr James Banner — Historian and co-founder of the National Humanities Alliance

Australia and Canada share much in common, politically, historically and socially. Why then do we know so little about each other? In a time of global uncertainty does it make sense for Canada and Australia to build a closer bond? If the two prosperous liberal middle powers worked together more closely, could they be a greater force for positive change in the world?GuestsDr Andrew Lilco — Economist and Executive Director and Principal, Europe EconomicsN. Leo Crabe — lecturer and independent researcher. Formerly with the Canadian High Commission in CanberraWesley Nicol — The Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University (Canada)Emeritus Professor Roy Green — Special Innovation Advisor, University of Technology SydneyNorman Hermant — Social Affairs Correspondent, Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The International commitment to ban landmines is wavering. Several European countries are reversing their opposition to using them. The shift comes as disarmament negotiators struggle to regulate the spread of "killer robots" — AI-controlled autonomous weapons. So, is the future of weapons containment and control under threat? And are treaties signed in peace always likely to be vulnerable during times of war?GuestsProfessor Sean Watts — Co-director of the Lieber Institute for Law and Land Warfare, West PointDr Barry de Vries — Research fellow, Public International Law, Justus Liebig University Giessen (Germany) Professor Lee Funnell — University of Chicago Law SchoolProfessor Lee Fennell — University of Chicago Law School

Researchers and corporations are already working to relocate data servers beyond the Earth's atmosphere — on satellites.Data servers are essential to the functioning of the modern world, but they're both power and water hungry. When they're built, they often meet with community concern and environmental protest.So, why not build data centres in space where solar energy is abundant? What could possibly go wrong?Finally, we discuss how artificial intelligence is changing the way we write by providing tools for editing, improving clarity, and suggesting new ideas.GuestsDr Domenico Vicinanza — Associate Professor of Intelligent Systems and Data Science, Anglia Ruskin UniversityDamien Dumestier — Space system architect, Thales Alenia SpaceDr Steven Freeland — Emeritus Professor, Western Sydney University and Professorial Fellow, Bond UniversityDr Daniel Murphy — Program Lead, Aerosol Properties and Processes, NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (US)Associate Professor Ritesh Chugh — Information and Communication Technologies, CQ University

Forgetting is the only safe response to the world's problems, from a geopolitical perspective, according to author and journalist David Rieff. Sometimes it’s too dangerous to remember. And forgetting is also a good thing in your personal life, say scientists. It moves us forward. The science of memory is giving way to the science of forgetting. Forgetting used to be seen as a failure of the brain, but new research suggests it’s a crucial part of the way our minds function. Original broadcast on March 27, 2022GuestsDr Scott Small – Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Columbia UniversityDr Oliver Hardt - Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, McGill University (Canada) David Rieff – writer and journalistFurther informationScott Small – Forgetting: The Benefits of Not RememberingDavid Rieff – In Praise of Forgetting

Donald Trump is establishing a US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. He wants it to rival the country's stockpile of gold. He boasts America will one day be the "Bitcoin superpower of the world", but what's his end game and what will it mean for future global finance? Questions are already being asked about why he's chosen to largely deregulate the cryptocurrency sector and whether his family's personal crypto interests are now driving US policy.GuestsAssociate Professor Larisa Yarovaya — Director of the Centre for Digital Finance, University of SouthamptonProfessor Robert Elliott — Professor of Economics, University of BirminghamDr John Hawkins — senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of CanberraMaximilian Brichta — Communications, University of Southern California

There's been growing research and investment in projects that use the oceans to artificially remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Such techniques involve both a biological and a chemical approach.To date, carbon removal technologies have been largely land-based, using giant air-purification machines, or planting trees to consume and store carbon. Those efforts have struggled to gain scale and acceptance. So, will a marine-based approach make any difference? It's a controversial idea and not without its difficulties.GuestsBrad Ack — CEO, Ocean VisionsJames Kerry — Senior Marine and Climate Scientist, OceanCare; Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at James Cook UniversityRomany Webb — Deputy Director, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Columbia Law SchoolRachel Rose Jackson — Climate Campaign Director, Corporate Accountability

YouTube is the second biggest website in the world, containing more than 14.8 billion videos. It's been a huge success, but its public image as a haven for influencers and digital monetisers belies its true character and role. Ryan McGrady from the University of Massachusetts takes us inside the online behemoth. Also, perspectives on boredom, its purpose and prevalence; its relationship to time, and why the measures we undertake to fight boredom so often backfire.GuestsIsabella Lee — Production assistant, Guardian AustraliaDr Michael Inzlicht — Professor of Philosophy, University of TorontoDr Maria Balaska — Philosopher and Research Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire and Åbo Akademi University (Finland)Dr Ryan McGrady — Senior Research Fellow, Initiative for Digital Public Infrastructure, University of Massachusetts at AmherstFuture Tense — The vicious cycle of fear and anger — and how it traps society

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

Human beings have a bias toward optimism, says astrophysicist turned author and editor, Sumit Paul-Choudhury. While we may not always acknowledge it, the power of optimism is what drives our species forward. But beware of the modern craze for "Manifesting" — wishful thinking, no matter how intense, only has impact if it's married to action. Also, why we need to rethink globalisation's bad rap. International relations expert, Inanna Hamati-Ataya, argues there are no pure cultures and globalisation is really the means by which humanity flourishes.GuestsProfessor Inanna Hamati-Ataya — Chair of Global International Relations, University of Groningen, The NetherlandsSumit Paul-Choudhury — author, editor and Managing Director, Alternity LimitedAssociate Professor Laura D'Olimpio — School of Education, University of Birmingham, United KingdomFurther informationInanna Hamati-Ataya's article on globalisation Laura D'Olimpio's article on manifesting Sumit Paul-Choudhury's book The Bright Side

Artificial intelligence, it turns out, has a heavy human backend — they're called "data labellers"; they mostly live in developing countries, and there are ethical questions about their pay and work conditions. So, why aren't we talking more about them? Also, Google and other search companies have begun replacing hyperlinks with AI summaries. It's a move seemingly in line with our AI obsessed times, but what will it do to the tapestry of the internet? And will it simply make online information even harder to verify?GuestsDr Zena Assaad — Senior lecturer, School of Engineering, Australian National UniversityProfessor Toby Walsh — Laureate Fellow and Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence, University of New South WalesDr Collin Jennings — writer and academicFurther informationCollin Jennings' article: A linkless internet

Does the spirit of the "Futurist" movement live on today in the likes of Elon Musk and America's intrigue of techno-oligarchs? The Italian poet and fantasist Flippo Tommaso Marinetti almost died in a car crash, and out of that experience was born the "Futurist" movement. It went on to inspire the fascism of Benito Mussolini with an energetic emphasis on disruptive technology, conflict and creating an authoritarian future.GuestsAnnalee Newitz — Journalist and authorDr Jonathan White — Professor of politics, London School of EconomicsFurther informationJonathan White’s article - How Trump and the new right came to ‘own’ the future – while apparently exploiting the past | Jonathan White | The GuardianAnnalee Newitz’s article – How futurism took an abrupt right turn in the 20th century

Does modern economic thinking act as a roadblock to change? Economists Kate Raworth and Rainer Kattel certainly think so. The alternatives they propose involve acknowledging limits not just obsessing about growth. And a caution from design and management expert Raz Godelink – it always pays to be skeptical when big business puts on the sustainability suit. GuestsKate Raworth – Economist and co-founder of Doughnut Economics Action Lab Raz Godelnik – Associate Professor of Strategic Design and Management at the School of Design Strategies, Parson's School of Design Rainer Kattel – Deputy Director and Professor of Innovation and Public Governance, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, University College London

It certainly feels like a very shouty world. But have we really reached a new low point in civility? And, if so, where to from here?We examine what civility really entails and how it can help foster cooperation but also lead to the submission of minorities.And did you know that even the design of our urban spaces can shape and limit acts of civility? So, how can we make our cities more sociable?GuestsDr Eduardo Sadoval — Social Roboticist, UNSWDr Saara Liinamaa — Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph. Also, co-investigator, Sociable Cities ProjectRafi Kohan — US-based freelance writer and authorDr Keith Bybee — Professor of Law and Political Science, Syracuse UniversityFurther informationRafi Kohan - Trash Talk: The Only Book About Destroying Your Rivals That Isn’t Total GarbageKeith Bybee - How Civility WorksSociable Cities Project

When a company CEO can be paid 1,000 times the average employee's salary it's probably time to take a long hard look at wealth inequality. And those calling for the rich to pay more aren't always the ones you'd expect – Patriotic Millionaires is a group of mega rich individuals demanding greater, not lesser taxation. Then there's the Dutch philosopher urging ordinary citizens to put a cap on their own personal wealth. She calls her approach Limitarianism. Also, Rewilding the Internet – how to purify an online environment made toxic by monopolistic capitalism.Original broadcast on June 21, 2024.GuestsDr Ingrid Robeyns – author, philosopher and Chair in Ethics of Institutions, Ethics Institute, Utrecht University (The Netherlands)Robert Guest – Deputy Editor, The EconomistMorris Pearl – Chair of the Board, The Patriotic MillionairesProfessor Jean-Etienne Joullie — EMLV Business School, ParisMaria Farrell – Writer and keynote speaker on technology and the futureFurther informationIngrid Robeyns: Limitarianism, The Case Against Extreme WealthRobert Guest: The fallacious case for abolishing the richMaria Farrell: We need to rewild the InternetListen to Future Tense - Managerialism and our obsession with hierarchy

Are we really facing an attention crisis? Historian, Daniel Immerwahr, has his doubts. In fact, he says ours is an era of obsession as much as distraction and of zeal as much as indifference. Also, the paradox of certainty: we crave it, argues the University of Alberta's, Timothy Caulfield, even though it's so easy to fake.GuestsDaniel Immerwahr — author and Professor of History, Northwestern University and a contributing writer at The New YorkerTimothy Caulfield — author and Professor of law, University of AlbertaProfessor Gloria Mark — data scientist and psychologist, Department of Informatics, University of California, IrvineFurther informationTimothy Coulfield: The Certainty Illusion. What You Don't Know and Why It MattersDaniel Immerwahr's article on Attention

They're cheaper and safer than their lithium counterparts, they're easier to scale-up, and they can hold power for much longer than conventional batteries, so why aren't flow batteries better known? The technology has been under development for decades, but enthusiasts now say they're finding their place in the sun. Also, why more and more cargo companies are turning to wind-power; and do developing countries need to rethink their approach to off-grid power.GuestsEmeritus Professor Maria Skyllas-Kazacos — School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, University of New South WalesEmily Mahoney — Researcher, Malapit Lab, Northwestern University (US)Adjunct Associate Professor Jens Noack — Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of QueenslandAssociate Prof Paul Munro — Associate Professor in Human Geography, The Environment and Society Group, University of New South WalesGavin Allwright — Secretary General, International Windship Association

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is opening-up its storeroom, turning the back end of the operation into a public resource. It's about attracting new patrons, but it's also about accountability, the Museum's managers have declared. Across the Western world museums are having to reexamine their mission and redefine the relationship they have with the public they're meant to serve. We explore why and how. We also look at the balance that's being struck between the physical artefact and its digital equivalent.GuestsTim Reeve — Deputy Director, Victorian and Albert Museum, LondonDan Hicks — Professor of Contemporary Archaeology, Oxford UniversityKarin de Wild — Assistant Professor in Contemporary Museum and Collection Studies, Leiden University (The Netherlands)Kylie Message-Jones — Professor of Public Humanities, ANU Humanities Research Centre

A series of massive underground tombs for nuclear waste are currently under construction. They've taken decades to plan and build and they're designed to house the world's nuclear waste for millennia to come. So where are they being built? How safe will they be? And how to devise a toxic waste warning sign that will make sense to people living tens of thousands of years from now?Also, the latest research on how climate change is beginning to impact on internal migration within countries.GuestsMark Piesing — a UK-based freelance journalistDr Shastra Deo — Nuclear semiotics expert and author, School of Communication and Arts, University of QueenslandProfessor Raya Muttarak — Professor of Demography, University of Bologna (Italy)Lisa — a climate-concerned resident of South-east QueenslandFurther informationMark Piesing's article: How to build a nuclear tomb to last millennia

Terms like "Gen Z", "Boomer" and "Millennial" are popular, but they have no basis in science. Demographers and social scientists are now pushing back. Generational labelling, they argue, is akin to Astrology and while politicians, journalists and media influencers find them irresistible, they actually promote pseudo-science, sew social division and can reinforce prejudicial stereotypes. So why are generational labels so popular?GuestsProfessor Bobby Duffy — Director of the Policy Institute, King's College London. Author of The Generation Myth.Professor Philip Coen — Professor of Sociology, University of MarylandProfessor Crystal Abidin — digital anthropologist and ethnographer of vernacular internet cultures, Curtin UniversityProfessor David Costanza — Professor of Commerce, University of VirginiaFurther informationPhilip Coen’s open letter to Pew Research Center on generation labels Pew Research Center's response