What can we expect from a world of deepfakes where anything you see or hear might be synthetic and the output of AI? Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence at UNSW, Toby Walsh unpacks untruths and warns of a future inundated with machine-generated content, predicting that soon, 99% of what we read, see, and hear will be created by AI. Listen as Toby discusses the urgent need for digital watermarks to authenticate online content, proposing that this technology can help restore trust. However, he cautions that building this infrastructure will take time, leaving us in a precarious situation where truth is increasingly contested.

Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.

What can we expect from a world of deepfakes where anything you see or hear might be synthetic and the output of AI? Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence at UNSW, Toby Walsh unpacks untruths and warns of a future inundated with machine-generated content, predicting that soon, 99% of what we read, see, and hear will be created by AI. Listen as Toby discusses the urgent need for digital watermarks to authenticate online content, proposing that this technology can help restore trust. However, he cautions that building this infrastructure will take time, leaving us in a precarious situation where truth is increasingly contested.
Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's <a href="https://festivalofdangerousideas.com/">Festival of Dangerous Ideas</a>, supported by UNSW Sydney.

Toby Walsh | Ministry of AI

Carbon markets have been hailed as key pillars in our climate response but in actuality, have turned out to be largely greenwash. Megan Evans, Senior Lecturer at UNSW’s School of Business highlights the flaws in carbon offsetting and questions the effectiveness of emission offsets, revealing that many projects fail to sequester the promised carbon. She emphasises the importance of transparency and accountability in carbon markets, arguing that without criticism and scrutiny, these systems merely perpetuate greenwashing. Listen to the full discussion as Megan urges us to question the status quo and advocate for genuine environmental progress, rather than settling for ineffective measures.

Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.

Carbon markets have been hailed as key pillars in our climate response but in actuality, have turned out to be largely greenwash. Megan Evans, Senior Lecturer at UNSW’s School of Business highlights the flaws in carbon offsetting and questions the effectiveness of emission offsets, revealing that many projects fail to sequester the promised carbon. She emphasises the importance of transparency and accountability in carbon markets, arguing that without criticism and scrutiny, these systems merely perpetuate greenwashing. Listen to the full discussion as Megan urges us to question the status quo and advocate for genuine environmental progress, rather than settling for ineffective measures.
Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.

Megan Evans | (Don’t) Question the Fake Carbon Forests

Associate Professor of Media at UNSW, Michael Richardson examines how technology, culture, and power shape knowledge in war, security and surveillance. He warns that AI’s rapid deployment can lead to catastrophic outcomes in warfare, where algorithms determine lethal targets based on biased data and predictive analytics. Listen as Michael calls for a global resistance against militarised AI, and the need for an ethical standard in technology, as the consequences of these advancements could redefine the very nature of warfare and humanity itself.

Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.

Associate Professor of Media at UNSW, Michael Richardson examines how technology, culture, and power shape knowledge in war, security and surveillance. He warns that AI’s rapid deployment can lead to catastrophic outcomes in warfare, where algorithms determine lethal targets based on biased data and predictive analytics. Listen as Michael calls for a global resistance against militarised AI, and the need for an ethical standard in technology, as the consequences of these advancements could redefine the very nature of warfare and humanity itself.
Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.

Michael Richardson | Military AI is Even Worse Than You Think

In a witty and provocative talk, Professor of Psychology at UNSW, Brownyn Graham addresses the longstanding neglect of the female anatomy in medical research, exemplified by the late mapping of the clitoris. She highlights how centuries of male-centric studies have led to a healthcare system that inadequately services women and overlooks the critical role sex hormones play in our everyday lives. Listen as Bronwyn urges for a more inclusive, evidence-based approach to medical research.

Presented as part of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, and supported by UNSW Sydney.

In a witty and provocative talk, Professor of Psychology at UNSW, Brownyn Graham addresses the longstanding neglect of the female anatomy in medical research, exemplified by the late mapping of the clitoris. She highlights how centuries of male-centric studies have led to a healthcare system that inadequately services women and overlooks the critical role sex hormones play in our everyday lives. Listen as Bronwyn urges for a more inclusive, evidence-based approach to medical research.
Presented as part of the <a href="https://festivalofdangerousideas.com/">Festival of Dangerous Ideas</a>, and supported by UNSW Sydney.

Bronwyn Graham | Women, Your Healthcare is Based on a Man’s Body

Biographer Brigitta Olubas and journalist Susan Wyndham have edited a collection of the letters of eminent novelists Shirley Hazzard and Elizabeth Harrower.

Reflecting on the correspondence of two important writers, they’ll share what they have learned about the art of writing letters and the relationships that they can sustain, and destroy.

Presented by Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Centre for Ideas.

Biographer Brigitta Olubas and journalist Susan Wyndham have edited a collection of the letters of eminent novelists Shirley Hazzard and Elizabeth Harrower. Reflecting on the correspondence of two important writers, they’ll share what they have learned about the art of writing letters and the relationships that they can sustain, and destroy.
Presented by Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Centre for Ideas.

Writing Letters with Brigitta Olubas and Susan Wyndham

Ever wondered what makes us tick as individuals, or why societies thrive or fall apart? Michael Muthukrishna, the mind behind the groundbreaking A Theory of Everyone has the answers. By blending psychology, anthropology, and economics into a revolutionary framework Muthukrishna dives into how cultural evolution and social learning shape everything from our daily decisions to the fate of entire civilisations. 

Whether you’re curious about the roots of human behaviour or looking for fresh insights into global challenges like inequality and cooperation, this talk with UNSW Scientia Professor Rob Brooks provides a blueprint for a better future.   

Ever wondered what makes us tick as individuals, or why societies thrive or fall apart? Michael Muthukrishna, the mind behind the groundbreaking A Theory of Everyone has the answers. By blending psychology, anthropology, and economics into a revolutionary framework Muthukrishna dives into how cultural evolution and social learning shape everything from our daily decisions to the fate of entire civilisations. 
Whether you’re curious about the roots of human behaviour or looking for fresh insights into global challenges like inequality and cooperation, this talk with UNSW Scientia Professor Rob Brooks provides a blueprint for a better future.

Michael Muthukrishna : A Theory of Everyone

Despite rapid technological advancements, increasing affluence and population growth continue to strain our planet. Currently not a single country in the world is operating at sustainable level of resource use – and yet that is what we need to aspire to if we’re going to slow climate change, reduce inequality and increase our quality of life. So, how do we get there?  

Listen to UNSW’s sustainability scientist Tommy Wiedmann and Professor of Law Bronwen Morgan, CSIRO researcher Sabrina Chakori, and former Deputy Lord Mayor and author of Glimpses of Utopia Jess Scully as host, discuss sustainability and the urgent challenge we face to create a world which ensures human needs are met without sacrificing a sustainable, inclusive future. 

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas.

Despite rapid technological advancements, increasing affluence and population growth continue to strain our planet. Currently not a single country in the world is operating at sustainable level of resource use – and yet that is what we need to aspire to if we’re going to slow climate change, reduce inequality and increase our quality of life. So, how do we get there?  
Listen to UNSW’s sustainability scientist Tommy Wiedmann and Professor of Law Bronwen Morgan, CSIRO researcher Sabrina Chakori, and former Deputy Lord Mayor and author of Glimpses of Utopia Jess Scully as host, discuss sustainability and the urgent challenge we face to create a world which ensures human needs are met without sacrificing a sustainable, inclusive future. 
Presented by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/" aria-label="Link UNSW Centre for Ideas">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>.

Degrowth

Why do we know so little about women’s bodies? Over half the world’s population have had a period or could be having a period right now – so why do menstruation and menopause remain such medical mysteries? And why are doctors still scratching their collective heads when asked to explain how female anatomy works? Well, New York Times bestseller Jennifer Gunter is hoping to change that.  

In conversation with Caroline Ford, Jennifer will unpack why she’s sick of women being sidelined by the medical profession, and outline the steps we need to take to put women’s bodies and healthcare in the spotlight.

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Medicine & Health as a part of National Science Week. 

Why do we know so little about women’s bodies? Over half the world’s population have had a period or could be having a period right now – so why do menstruation and menopause remain such medical mysteries? And why are doctors still scratching their collective heads when asked to explain how female anatomy works? Well, New York Times bestseller Jennifer Gunter is hoping to change that.  
In conversation with Caroline Ford, Jennifer will unpack why she’s sick of women being sidelined by the medical profession, and outline the steps we need to take to put women’s bodies and healthcare in the spotlight.
Presented by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/" aria-label="Link UNSW Centre for Ideas">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a> and <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/medicine-health" aria-label="Link UNSW Medicine &amp; Health">UNSW Medicine &amp; Health</a> as a part of National Science Week.

Jennifer Gunter: Menstruation, Menopause & Medical Mythology

Haben Girma would prefer not to be called inspiring. But, as the first Deafblind woman to make Harvard history and living in defiance of great social and physical barriers, it is a term often used to describe her achievements. Girma developed a powerful path to success despite facing many social and physical barriers. Overcoming all with an insatiable appetite for social justice as well as a wicked sense of humour, she’s become a leading advocate for people living with disabilities. Girma has been named one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and was awarded the White House Champion of Change, presented by former President of the United States, Barack Obama.   

In an evening of conversation with ABC’s Nas Campanella, Girma shares how she overcame adversity, how we can all advocate for more inclusive design principles, the importance of patience and understanding, and her opinions on Vegemite, in an inspiring discussion.  

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas as a part of Diversity Festival.

Haben Girma would prefer not to be called inspiring. But, as the first Deafblind woman to make Harvard history and living in defiance of great social and physical barriers, it is a term often used to describe her achievements. Girma developed a powerful path to success despite facing many social and physical barriers. Overcoming all with an insatiable appetite for social justice as well as a wicked sense of humour, she’s become a leading advocate for people living with disabilities. Girma has been named one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and was awarded the White House Champion of Change, presented by former President of the United States, Barack Obama.   
In an evening of conversation with ABC’s Nas Campanella, Girma shares how she overcame adversity, how we can all advocate for more inclusive design principles, the importance of patience and understanding, and her opinions on Vegemite, in an inspiring discussion.  
Presented by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a> as a part of <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/edi/get-involved/diversity-festival/diversity-festival-2024">Diversity Festival</a>.

Haben Girma: The First Deafblind Harvard Graduate

Has climate chaos, the cost-of-living crisis and the threat of AI overlords got you feeling like the end is nigh? Don’t stress. As psychologist and evolutionary biologist Athena Aktipis points out, humankind is hardwired to survive big existential crises. 

In this engaging talk, Athena—armed with her trusty ukulele—and UNSW’s Rob Brooks journey through history, psychology, and shared humanity to uncover the tools that will help us survive—and thrive—amidst the chaos. Tune in to the podcast and you can expect to learn about the psychology of stress, tips for prepping (hint: duct tape is essential!), and how embracing our communal nature can turn even the direst situations into opportunities for growth and connection. 

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Scienceas a part of National Science Week.

Has climate chaos, the cost-of-living crisis and the threat of AI overlords got you feeling like the end is nigh? Don’t stress. As psychologist and evolutionary biologist Athena Aktipis points out, humankind is hardwired to survive big existential crises. 
In this engaging talk, Athena—armed with her trusty ukulele—and UNSW’s Rob Brooks journey through history, psychology, and shared humanity to uncover the tools that will help us survive—and thrive—amidst the chaos. Tune in to the podcast and you can expect to learn about the psychology of stress, tips for prepping (hint: duct tape is essential!), and how embracing our communal nature can turn even the direst situations into opportunities for growth and connection. 
Presented by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/" data-cke-saved-href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a> and <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/science" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/science">UNSW Science</a> as a part of <a href="https://www.scienceweek.net.au/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.scienceweek.net.au/">National Science Week</a>.

Athena Aktipis: A Field Guide to the Apocalypse

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Ideas is a thought-provoking program of events and digital content from the globe's leading thinkers, authors and artists.

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Ideas is a thought-provoking program of events and digital content from the globe's leading thinkers, authors and artists.

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Idea…

UNSW Centre for Ideas | All Episodes

In the popular imagination, preppers are busy hoarding tinned food in their bunkers while they wait for the end of the world. But is this what most prepping looks like? And is climate change as bad as all that? 

The bin fire of the last few years has ramped the eco-anxiety up to an 11. But as we go about our lives, studying, feeding our families, paying off our debts and waiting for the next season of The Great British Bake Off, have we all put our heads a little too far into the sand? Sure, we’re all worried, but we can’t be thinking about it all the time, much less heading to the hills to shoot our dinner and drag it back to our underground bunkers. Besides, it won't come to that... will it? 

Is there anything we can learn from the prepping mindset as the reality of climate change comes barrelling toward us? 

This episode features: 
John Scarinci – President, Australian Preppers Survival League
Kezia Barker – Senior Lecturer in Geography, Liverpool John Moores University
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering 

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

In the popular imagination, preppers are busy hoarding tinned food in their bunkers while they wait for the end of the world. But is this what most prepping looks like? And is climate change as bad as all that? 
The bin fire of the last few years has ramped the eco-anxiety up to an 11. But as we go about our lives, studying, feeding our families, paying off our debts and waiting for the next season of The Great British Bake Off, have we all put our heads a little too far into the sand? Sure, we’re all worried, but we can’t be thinking about it all the time, much less heading to the hills to shoot our dinner and drag it back to our underground bunkers. Besides, it won't come to that... will it? 
Is there anything we can learn from the prepping mindset as the reality of climate change comes barrelling toward us? 
This episode features: 
<ul>
<li>John Scarinci – President, Australian Preppers Survival League</li>
<li>Kezia Barker – Senior Lecturer in Geography, Liverpool John Moores University</li>
<li>Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering </li>
</ul>
Preppers is created by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>.

Preppers Episode 1: Ready Or Not

The Earth is cracking under the weight of our expectations, with growth held up as the economic north star. Meanwhile, wildlife populations are collapsing, the ocean is acidifying, and carbon emissions are still increasing. Despite everything we know about what’s wrong and what to do about it, we cling to our current way of life.

Civilizations have collapsed before. Could it be happening again? And if it is, what can we be doing to prepare for it?

This episode features: 
Richard Kingsford – Professor of Ecology and Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science, UNSW Science
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering
Mark Diesendorf – Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, UNSW Sydney
Jem Bendell – Emeritus Professor of Sustainability Leadership, University of Cumbria

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

The Earth is cracking under the weight of our expectations, with growth held up as the economic north star. Meanwhile, wildlife populations are collapsing, the ocean is acidifying, and carbon emissions are still increasing. Despite everything we know about what’s wrong and what to do about it, we cling to our current way of life.
Civilizations have collapsed before. Could it be happening again? And if it is, what can we be doing to prepare for it?
This episode features: 
<ul>
<li>Richard Kingsford – Professor of Ecology and Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science, UNSW Science</li>
<li>Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering</li>
<li>Mark Diesendorf – Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, UNSW Sydney</li>
<li>Jem Bendell – Emeritus Professor of Sustainability Leadership, University of Cumbria</li>
</ul>
Preppers is created by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>.

Preppers Episode 2: The End of the World As We Know It

As we struggle to reduce carbon emissions, environmental markets are creating a world where money really does grow on trees. But does putting a price on nature, and forcing the economy to value the things it’s always taken for granted, really work? And can it help us prepare for climate change?

This episode features: 
Miri (Margaret) Raven – Senior Scientia Lecture, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture
Megan Evans – Senior Lecturer, UNSW Canberra
William Glamore – Professor of Environmental Engineering , UNSW Engineering  
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

As we struggle to reduce carbon emissions, environmental markets are creating a world where money really does grow on trees. But does putting a price on nature, and forcing the economy to value the things it’s always taken for granted, really work? And can it help us prepare for climate change?
This episode features: 
<ul>
<li>Miri (Margaret) Raven – Senior Scientia Lecture, UNSW Arts, Design &amp; Architecture</li>
<li>Megan Evans – Senior Lecturer, UNSW Canberra</li>
<li>William Glamore – Professor of Environmental Engineering , UNSW Engineering  </li>
<li>Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering</li>
</ul>
Preppers is created by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>.

Preppers Episode 3: What's It Worth?

We. Love. Heat. Bring on the summer! Right? But as each month sees another heat record broken, should we start thinking about heat differently?

What’s happening on a local and global level to prepare us for extreme weather events – and for a much sweatier future?

This episode features: 
Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick – Professor of Climate Science, ANU
Lan Ding – Associate Professor of Built Environment, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture  
William Craft – Sustainable Design Researcher, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture
Shayne Gary – Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, UNSW Business School
Giovanni Cunico – PhD Candidate, UNSW Business School
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering
Tim Howlett – Team Leader Growth Planning Projects, Dubbo Regional Council

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

We. Love. Heat. Bring on the summer! Right? But as each month sees another heat record broken, should we start thinking about heat differently?
What’s happening on a local and global level to prepare us for extreme weather events – and for a much sweatier future?
This episode features: 
<ul>
<li>Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick – Professor of Climate Science, ANU</li>
<li>Lan Ding – Associate Professor of Built Environment, UNSW Arts, Design &amp; Architecture  </li>
<li>William Craft – Sustainable Design Researcher, UNSW Arts, Design &amp; Architecture</li>
<li>Shayne Gary – Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, UNSW Business School</li>
<li>Giovanni Cunico – PhD Candidate, UNSW Business School</li>
<li>Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering</li>
<li>Tim Howlett – Team Leader Growth Planning Projects, Dubbo Regional Council</li>
</ul>
Preppers is created by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>.

Preppers Episode 4: Meltdown

When it comes to climate change, answers can be difficult to nail down. Will the world reach net zero in time? What does a climate change future even look like? Will the changes come in my lifetime – or is it my kids or grandkids who will suffer? With every uncertainty, you can feel your head sink a little deeper into the sand...

What is it about our lives, and the way we do, or don’t, think about climate change, that makes it so difficult to change our behaviors? And what’s being done to help motivate people in high-risk areas to prepare?

This episode features: 
Ray Langenfelds – Atmospheric Scientist, CSIRO
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering
Ben Newell – Professor of Psychology, UNSW Science
Candice Boyd – Associate Producer of Geography and Registered Clinical Psychologist, University of Melbourne
Jeremy Moss – Professor of Philosophy, UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture
Brian Cook – Associate Professor of Geography, University of Melbourne

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

When it comes to climate change, answers can be difficult to nail down. Will the world reach net zero in time? What does a climate change future even look like? Will the changes come in my lifetime – or is it my kids or grandkids who will suffer? With every uncertainty, you can feel your head sink a little deeper into the sand...
What is it about our lives, and the way we do, or don’t, think about climate change, that makes it so difficult to change our behaviors? And what’s being done to help motivate people in high-risk areas to prepare?
This episode features: 
<ul>
<li>Ray Langenfelds – Atmospheric Scientist, CSIRO</li>
<li>Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering</li>
<li>Ben Newell – Professor of Psychology, UNSW Science</li>
<li>Candice Boyd – Associate Producer of Geography and Registered Clinical Psychologist, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Jeremy Moss – Professor of Philosophy, UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture</li>
<li>Brian Cook – Associate Professor of Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
</ul>
Preppers is created by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>.

Preppers Episode 5: A Change of Heart

Get ready to confront the uncomfortable truths about climate change with investigative humorist and climate action enthusiast Dan Ilic inPreppers, a podcast by the UNSW Centre for Ideas that dives deep into the realities we often avoid.

Get ready to confront the uncomfortable truths about climate change with investigative humorist and climate action enthusiast Dan Ilic in Preppers, a podcast by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a> that dives deep into the realities we often avoid.

Trailer: Preppers

In the popular imagination preppers are eccentric, hoarder types with a fondness for tinned pineapple and a belief that ‘the end of the world as we know it’ is on its way. But as we move into an era that marks time by the rate and severity of disasters – with a pandemic in the rear view and more black summers out ahead – isn’t it about time we all started to prepare? 

 As heat records break and the weather becomes wilder, are we preparing hard and fast enough for the climate changes that are coming? And what’s happening at UNSW and beyond to get us ready? Investigative humorist and climate action enthusiast Dan Ilic, presents Preppers, a new podcast by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

Are you getting ready?

In the popular imagination preppers are eccentric, hoarder types with a fondness for tinned pineapple and a belief that ‘the end of the world as we know it’ is on its way. But as we move into an era that marks time by the rate and severity of disasters – with a pandemic in the rear view and more black summers out ahead – isn’t it about time we all started to prepare? 
 As heat records break and the weather becomes wilder, are we preparing hard and fast enough for the climate changes that are coming? And what’s happening at UNSW and beyond to get us ready? Investigative humorist and climate action enthusiast Dan Ilic, presents Preppers, a new podcast by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>. 
Are you getting ready?

UNSW Centre for Ideas

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