Fuzzy Logic Science Show

As population soars in a rapidly deteriorating global environment, it's hard to remain optimistic. We ask ourselves, what does it mean to have hope? Do we give up and fall into despair?

This is the question our two guests touch on in these interviews. Clive Hamilton is a the well-known author of books such as Requiem for a Species and Earthmasters. Robyn Williams is the renowned presenter of the ABC Science Show.

Interviews by Rod.

Peak Oil, remember that? Back in 2008 we interviewed Robert Rapier, a respected analyst in the energy business. It's interesting to look back and see what has - and hasn't changed since then. Oil is as dirty a source of CO2 as it ever was. Or arguably, it's dirtier now because it requires ever more energy to extract as easier sources are depleted.

Fears of Peak Oil have largely faded as unconventional reserves are exploited, especially in the USA. But, the day must come when oil declines. In a recent blog post, Robert Rapier refers to US shale oil: "depletion of the best drilling locations, and too many wells drilled too close together for the slowdown."

The mountains of waste we produce are a growing problem. Surely we can do better than just burying all that stuff in a hole. Recycling is an obvious part of the solution, but it's tricky because waste usually arrives as unsorted piles. To recover the value, first we must sort it.

That's what David Hinwood aims to do with his robotic hand. For now, he's focussing on sorting textiles, which is more complicated than it looks at first sight.

Brought to you by Caroline and Rod.

Back in 2013, Sustainable Population Australia hosted the Fenner Conference, featuring a stellar cast of speakers. It's fascinating to hear Dr Jane OSullivan, Dr Haydn Washington, Dr Simon Michaux and Dr Michael Lardelli as they talk about the environmental challenges facing Australia and the world.

It's instructive to think about what has - and hasn't changed since then. World population continues to surge, having grown from 7.2 to 7.7 billion. Peak oil has been deferred, largely due to fracking in the US, where production has grown significantly. Populist demagogues hold power in major nations, either denying or ignoring climate change while the Murdoch press has been relentlessly hostile.

In spite of that, the cost of renewable energy has plummeted to the point where it is now out-competing fossil fuels, and installed capacity has vastly increased. Climate change activism has grown into an international movement as people become aware of the dire threat it poses.

Meanwhile, the question of population has remained a fringe issue at the national level although locally, Australians are becoming increasingly concerned.

Interviews by Rod (a SPA member), with thanks to Jenny Goldie from SPA.

On Fuzzy Logic we get into the science of dancing. With movement, music, biomechanics and helping us age disgracefully, we learn that science is as much about being alive as it is about cold numbers.

Professional dancers Liz Lea and Philip Piggin describe how science informs their work - and how their work communicates science.

To learn more about Dance for Wellbeing which helps people with Parkinson's, Dimention and other conditions, visit BelconnenArtsCentre.com.au.

Liz Lea is Creative Director of Ausdance ACT www.ausdanceact.org.au

Luckily you can't see Rod's Jive during this interview.