Future Tense

ABC listen

A critical look at new technologies, new approaches and new ways of thinking, from politics to media to environmental sustainability.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Is globalisation dying? 

    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 age Guests Professor 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

    29 min

  2. 11 SEPT

    Taxing carbon on the border and at sea

    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. Guests Associate Professor Anna Trugman — Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara Honorary Professor Peter Bridgewater — Centre for Heritage and Museum Studies, Australian National University Professor Michael Brear — Director, Melbourne Energy Institute, University of Melbourne Dr Sanjay Patnaik — Director, Center on Regulation and Markets, Brookings Institute

    29 min

  3. 4 SEPT

    Existential hope vs Existential Fear

    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. Guests Dr S. J. Beard — Senior Research Associate, Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, Cambridge University Professor Neil Selwyn — Faculty of Education, Monash University Further information S.J. Beard - Existential Hope Neil Selwyn - Digital Degrowth: Radically Rethinking our Digital Futures

    29 min

  4. 28 AUG

    Cooperation, not conflict on the High Seas

    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. Guests Julian Barbiere — Head of the Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO; also Ocean Decade Coordinator Dr 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 Decade Dr Shane Keating — Associate professor, University of New South Wales; also founder of the company CounterCurrent Dr Sarah Lothian — Senior lecturer and Academic Barrister, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong Further information UN Ocean Decade Sarah Lothian — Marine Conservation and International Law, Legal Instruments for Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction

    29 min

  5. 21 AUG

    Convenience culture's inconvenient truth

    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. Guests Alison Angus — Head of Practice – Innovation Research, Euromonitor Dr Paul Harrison — Director of MBA Programme, Deakin University. Unit Chair of Consumer Behaviour, Department of Marketing, Deakin Business School Sloan Wilkins — Founder and Financial Coach, Everyday Money Live Dr Alex Curmi — Consultant psychiatrist Chris Williams — Founder and Chief Executive, ISB Global

    29 min

  6. 14 AUG

    Perspectives on the potential of AI-powered policing 

    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 police Guests Dr 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

    29 min

  7. 7 AUG

    The truth about AI and productivity

    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. Guests Jovan Kurbalija — Executive Director, Diplo Foundation Professor Jon Whittle — Data61 Director, CSIRO Andreas Schleicher — Director for Education and Skills, OECD

    29 min

  8. 31 JUL

    Sinking Cities

    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. Guests Jeff 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 Wageningen Associate Professor Anna Hullimann — Melbourne School of Design, University of Melbourne Further information Jeff Goodell — The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities and the Remaking of the Civilized World Anna Hurlimann — Integrating Climate Change Action Across the Built Environment: A Guide for Transformative Action

    29 min
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About

A critical look at new technologies, new approaches and new ways of thinking, from politics to media to environmental sustainability.

Information

  • Creator
    ABC listen
  • Years Active
    2009 - 2025
  • Episodes
    546
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All right reserved.
  • Show Website
    Future Tense

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