Fuzzy Logic Science Show

Fossil economics

How often have you heard the word 'sustainable' this week? We've been living with this language for so long, it's become almost meaningless. And yet there is possibly no more important concept today as the world plunges into environmental chaos.

In this interview we talk to a world expert on why economics is central to this problem. Professor Steve Keen reveals the astonishing incompetence embedded in the IPCC economics analysis. The impacts of neoclassical economics are profound and ongoing.

Prof Keen is one of the emminent authors in this new Springer book that examines this topic in depth. He is also a senate candidate for The New Liberals in the election this year.

Interview by Rod who is co-editor of the Springer book.

www.profstevekeen.com

Bushfires, Plague, Food

Where do you go to get your food you're stuck during lockdown or bushfire smoke? And what does it mean to see empty shelves in the supermarket?

That can be hard enough for most people, but even harder if you're not mobile.

Sathiyakumar Rahanan is researching for his PhD with the University of Canberra where he is looking at the role of local shops.

If you're a small shop owner, you can help by being part of his study fooduc@gmail.com (or 0475 614 047).

In this episode Rod also interviews documentary maker Derek Muller, who produced Vitamania, on SBS.

CSI: Crime Soil Investigation

This epsiode Fuzzy Logic celebrates Earth Science Week with Geoscience Australia dishing the dirt on how soil is solving crimes around Australia. Dr Patrice de Caritat starts the episode by sharing how researchers in Canberra trialled a new method of tracking criminals using soil. Next up, Natalie Schroeder takes us back in time to share how Australia's first female Commonwealth palaeontologist helped to solve a crime in 1952 using her knowledge of fossils. Finally, Dr Keith Sircombe explains how a machine that uses radioactivity to date ancient rocks was used to match gunshot residue. A show full of ground-breaking research. Special thanks to Geoscience Australia for access to these amazing earth scientists.

CO2 solutions

The climate change problem is immense and it can feel like we're helpless. Yet in our own way there is a lot we can do.

Today on Fuzzy Logic we met people from different backgrounds who demonstrate their own approaches to the problem.

Mark Butler, former federal shadow minister for Climate and Energy

Andrew Bray https://www.re-alliance.org.au/

Andew Pepar https://www.co2efficient.com.au/home

Millie Boehm https://au.citizensclimatelobby.org/

Interviews by Rod via zoom.

Ignobels 2021

This week Broderick dives into the quirky world of the Ignobel Prizes. With talking cats, old chewing gum and beard research we hope this episode will make you laugh and make you think!

The Geological Journey of Food

In this National Science Week episode of Fuzzy Logic, Broderick explores the geological journey that has occurred to bring food to our plate. Joined by expert scientists from Geoscience Australia, this episode highlights how closely linked our food is to the geology that surrounds us.

Guests include Dr Steve Hill, Chief Scientist at Geoscience Australia, Dr Claire Phillips, a remote sensing scientist, and Amy Peterson, Team Lead for the Global Navigation Satellite Systems.

Michael Jennions - Behavioural ecologist

Michael Jennnions is a evolutionary/behavioural ecologist from the Research School of Biology at the Australian National University (ANU).  We discuss what it is to be a behavioural ecologist, some of his work on mosquito fish and his thoughts on how to improve the incentives and process of science publication.

 

Interviewed by Tom 

Taryn Laubenstein - Evolutionary biology and science policy

Taryn Laubenstein from Future Earth Australia discusses her journey into science, adaptations of sneaky corsican fish and her current work on bringing together scientists, community and industry to develop a vision for the future of Australia's coastal and offshore marine ecosystems.

You can hear more from Taryn on her monthly comedy podcast 'The Uncertainty Principle'

 

Interviewed by Tom

The joy of Gardening with Camilla

From The Garden of Eden until today, gardens have a special place. There's a special joy, the quiet contemplation of connecting with a small plot of nature.

Each week on radio 1RPH, Camilla presents her gardening program. On this occasion she talks to Rod about his book Ten Journeys on a Fragile Planet.

Sustaining our city

Reducing the environmental footprint of a city is an enormous job, with many threads and engaging many people from diverse backgrounds.

While Canberra has shown itself to be a world leader, there's still a very long way to go. How do we get there?

In this wide ranging discussion, ACT Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti and Dr Ann Hill from the University of Canberra share their thoughts with Rod.

In this conversation we mention an online event at 3pm 5 August with themes around Ten Journeys on a Fragile Planet.

More details soon via Twitter @FuzzyLogicSci.