WSC 2025: The Best is Yet to Be, or Not To Be?

When did Australia declare its National Broadband Network (NBN) "built and fully operational"?

December 23, 2020.

How many Australian premises couldn't connect at the 25Mbps broadband standard?

Over 230,000 premises.

Which political party initiated the NBN project in 2007?

The Australian Labor Party (ALP).

What was the original NBN plan under Labor?

A fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network.

What is fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP)?

A broadband network where fiber-optic cables run directly to homes or businesses, providing faster and more reliable internet compared to older technologies like fiber-to-the-node (FTTN).

What change did the new right-of-center government make in 2013?

Shifted to a multi-technology mix with fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) and existing cable TV networks.

What is fiber-to-the-node (FTTN)?

A broadband network where fiber-optic cables run to a local node or cabinet, with the final connection to homes or businesses using existing copper wiring, resulting in slower speeds compared to fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP).

What is Hybrid fibre-coaxal (HFC)?

HFC is a broadband network technology that combines fiber-optic and coaxial cable to deliver high-speed internet, TV, and other services.

What were the main criticisms of the NBN's shift from FTTP to FTTN?

Slower speeds compared to international networks.

Costly rebuilds would be needed.

Limited support for services like telemedicine and videoconferencing

What new digital law was announced alongside the NBN completion?

A law requiring digital platforms to remove “seriously harmful” content within 24 hours.

How much was the NBN's 2020 plan?

AUS$51 billion, which is significantly higher than initial projections.

What is the NBN's plan to further improve connections?

In 2021, NBN Co announced plans to replace some FTTN connections with full fibre (FTTP) to improve speeds, the network is expected to support gigabit speeds in more areas by 2025 as demand for faster internet continues to grow.

What percentage of Via Rail train trips ran on time in Q3 2023?

50%

How long does the average train trip from Montreal to Toronto take?

5 hours and 8 minutes

Compared to Canada's rail times, how fast is France's rail?

France, in the same distance (~500 km) can be covered in just 2 hours by TGV high-speed rail.

Why is driving between Montreal and Toronto often preferred over the train?

It takes only about 30 minutes longer and is often cheaper than a train ticket.

How much is a round-trip train ticket from Toronto to Montreal?

over $300

How does Canada compare to other G7 nations regarding high-speed rail?

It is the only G7 country without a high-speed rail option.

Why has high-speed rail in Canada remained a political campaign promise rather than a reality?

The financial commitment and logistical challenges prevent progress beyond studies.

What is the current alternative proposal to high-speed rail in Canada?

High-frequency rail (HFR) along the Windsor-Quebec City corridor.

Whats an issue with the HFR project in Canada?

It would not reach true high-speed rail speeds (over 250 km/h), meaning Canada would still lag behind other nations.

What is the main obstacle preventing high-speed rail development in Canada?

Lack of public demand and political will to support such a costly project.

According to a 2009 report, how much would a HSR line from Toronto to Montreal cost?

6 billion-11 billion CANADIAN dollars.

Which politician in 2014 promised a high-speed rail corridor between Toronto and Windsor but the idea was scrapped?

Kathleen Wynne

Which politician pitched an HSR project from Calgary to Edmonton but it failed to gain traction?

Jason Kenney

How much would HSR costs in Canada estimate?

$6 billion to over $40 billion.

Prices balloon for HSR projects, for example, how much did the California HSR project balloon up to?

$30 billion to over $130 billion.

Which 2 freight companies own 97% of Via Rail's routes?

CN and CP rail.

What are some examples of High Speed Rail projects?

Paris-Lyon & Tokyo-Osaka

What was the Alaskan Way Viaduct?

a two-tiered highway along Seattle's waterfront.

What happened to the Alaskan Way Viaduct in 2001?

The 2001 Nisqually earthquake caused severe damage to the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

What were the altenatives for the Alaskan Way Viaduct?

- Rebuilding an elevated highway (cheaper but unpopular).

- A surface street and transit expansion (environmentally friendly but controversial).

- A deep-bore tunnel (most expensive, but promised to minimize disruption).

What is Bertha?

The world's largest tunnel-boring machine.

Who built Bertha?

Hitachi Zosen in Japan.

What was the purpose of the tunnel Bertha was digging?

To create a two-mile-long, two-lane, two-level underground highway.

When did Bertha overheat and shut down?

December 2013.

What caused Bertha to shut down in December 2013?

Bertha hit a steel wall casing, it damaged its internal seals and main bearing.

What was the original estimated cost of Bertha and its work?

$3.1 billion but ballooned to $4+ billion due to delays and extra work.

Which 2 companies repeatedly blamed each other for Bertha's failure?

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP)

Which alternative was argued by critics to be faster and cheaper than the tunnel idea?

A surface transit alternative.

When did Bertha finish tunneling?

April 2017.

When was the tunnel opened to traffic?

February 4, 2019.

What is a megaproject?

A large-scale transformational project with high complexity, long implementation time, multiple stakeholders, and costs typically exceeding $1 billion.

What are some examples of megaprojects?

The Big Dig (Boston), Shinkansen High-Speed Railways (Japan), Sydney Opera House (Australia), Oresund Bridge (Sweden).

What are the two main benefits of megaprojects?

Tangible economic benefits (e.g., increased land value, business growth) and intangible benefits (e.g., national pride, cultural identity).

What are common negative local impacts of megaprojects?

Displacement, social polarization, environmental degradation, and other social impacts.

What was the case study used in the research on local perceptions of megaprojects?

The Suramadu Bridge in Indonesia.

What was the main research question of the study on Suramadu Bridge?

How do local people perceive the balance between positive and negative effects of megaprojects, and what factors influence their perceptions?

What were the two key findings of the Suramadu Bridge study?

1) Most respondents supported the project due to emotional and cultural reasons.

2) Three key factors influenced perceptions: immaterial benefits, material benefits, and specific employment opportunities.

What was the strongest factor influencing local people's perceptions of the Suramadu Bridge?

Immaterial benefits, such as pride and identity, were found to be the most significant factor.

Why do many megaprojects fail to meet expectations?

Optimistic appraisals often neglect environmental, social, and economic risks.

How did the Muslim community react to the Suramadu bridge project?

They feared it would weaken Madura's Islamic identity.

What is the Big Dig?

A major infrastructure project in Boston, Massachusetts, involving the construction of tunnels, highways, and the relocation of the Central Artery to reduce traffic congestion and improve the city's road network.

What is the Channel Tunnel?

A 31.4-mile tunnel that connects the United Kingdom and France, passing beneath the English Channel, facilitating high-speed rail travel and freight transport.

What is the California High-Speed Rail?

A proposed transportation project aiming to connect major cities in California, like San Francisco and Los Angeles, through a high-speed rail system.

What is Sejong City?

A planned city in South Korea, established to relocate key government functions and improve regional development outside of Seoul, with the aim of reducing over-concentration in the capital.

What is Hambantota?

A port city in Sri Lanka, which is home to the Hambantota Port project. The city's development has been highly controversial due to its heavy financial dependency on Chinese investments.

What is NEOM?

A futuristic city planned in Saudi Arabia, designed to be a global hub for innovation, technology, and sustainable living, featuring smart city infrastructure and a focus on renewable energy.

What are the Khazar Islands?

A man-made archipelago off the coast of Azerbaijan, planned as a futuristic city that includes residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces, aiming to diversify the country's economy.

What is the Three Gorges Dam?

The world's largest hydroelectric power station, located in the Yangtze River in China, aimed at power generation, flood control, and navigation improvements.

What is the Hong Kong-Zhuhai Bridge?

A 34-mile bridge-tunnel system connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau, designed to improve transportation and economic integration in the Greater Bay Area.

What is the New Eurasia Land Bridge?

A transport network that connects China to Europe, primarily via rail, which is part of the larger Belt and Road Initiative aiming to improve trade and connectivity across Eurasia.

What has the WHO declared about loneliness?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness as a pressing global health threat, with its mortality effects comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

What is the WHO's international commission on loneliness?

WHO launched a commission led by Dr. Vivek Murthy (US surgeon general) and Chido Mpemba (African Union youth envoy) to address loneliness, involving 11 advocates and government ministers from around the world.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect loneliness?

The pandemic halted economic and social activities, increasing levels of loneliness, highlighting the importance of addressing the issue globally.

What is the global impact of loneliness according to Chido Mpemba?

Mpemba stated that loneliness transcends borders, affecting health, wellbeing, and development, and social isolation knows no age or boundaries.

How does loneliness affect older adults?

In older adults, loneliness is linked to a 50% increased risk of dementia and a 30% increased risk of coronary artery disease or stroke.

How does loneliness affect adolescents?

Between 5% and 15% of adolescents experience loneliness, with the rate being higher in Africa (12.7%) compared to Europe (5.3%).

How does loneliness affect students?

Lonely students are more likely to drop out of university, which can also lead to poorer economic outcomes and job dissatisfaction.

What factors contribute to loneliness in Africa?

In Africa, challenges like peace and security issues, the climate crisis, high unemployment, and the digital divide contribute to social isolation, especially among vulnerable populations.

What did Dr. Vivek Murthy say about loneliness?

Murthy emphasized that loneliness is an underappreciated public health threat that affects every country globally.

How does loneliness vary across Europe?

Northern Europe: Lowest loneliness rates

Young adults: 2.9%

Middle-aged adults: 2.7%

Older adults: 5.3%

Eastern Europe: Highest loneliness rates

Young adults: 7.5%

Middle-aged adults: 9.6%

Older adults: 21.3%

Why is loneliness more common in Eastern Europe?

Likely due to worse health outcomes, weaker healthcare systems, and lower social support compared to Northern Europe.

Which age group suffers the most from loneliness?

Older adults (60+) are most likely to experience severe loneliness, especially in Europe.

What solutions do experts suggest for tackling loneliness?

Address poverty, education, transport, inequality, and housing, while improving work environments and community connections.

What is Paro, and what is its purpose?

Paro is a robotic seal designed for therapy and social interaction, particularly for elderly residents in care facilities.

Why is loneliness a major issue in Japan?

Japan has an aging population with many elderly people living alone, leading to increased social isolation and "kodokushi" (lonely deaths).

What is "kodokushi"?

"Kodokushi" refers to people dying alone and remaining undiscovered for long periods, a growing issue in Japan.

How does traditional family structure affect loneliness in Japan?

The shift from multi-generational households to nuclear families has weakened social safety nets, increasing loneliness among the elderly.

What is "karōshi"?

"Karōshi" means "death by overwork," a phenomenon in Japan where long working hours contribute to social isolation and health problems.

How does hikikomori contribute to Japan's loneliness problem?

Hikikomori are people who withdraw from society for a year or more, further increasing the number of socially isolated individuals.

How is technology used to combat loneliness in Japan?

Robots like Paro, Aibo, and Pepper provide companionship, assist in therapy, and encourage social interaction.

What is the role of Sony's Aibo robot dogs?

Aibo robot dogs create emotional bonds with owners, some of whom even hold funerals for them when they stop working.

What is the purpose of the Pepper robot?

Pepper is a humanoid robot designed for companionship and is used in care facilities to lead activities like exercise sessions.

How does the Telenoid R1 help reduce loneliness?

The Telenoid R1's minimalistic design allows users to project familiar faces onto it, creating a sense of companionship.

What is Gatebox's VR-companion?

Gatebox's VR-companion is an anime-inspired virtual partner designed for young men who prefer digital relationships over real-life ones.

What concerns do experts have about relying on robots for companionship?

Some worry that outsourcing care and empathy to machines may weaken human connections, which are essential for emotional well-being.

How is loneliness a global issue beyond Japan?

Countries like the U.K. and U.S. also face rising loneliness, with initiatives like a "minister for loneliness" in the U.K. addressing the problem.

What is Robear, and why is it significant in the discussion of care robots?

Robear is a prototype lifting robot developed in Japan in 2015. It is often used in media to showcase advancements in care robotics, but it has not been widely adopted due to practical limitations.

Why has Japan invested heavily in care robots?

Due to an aging population, a shrinking workforce, and a growing shortage of caregivers, Japan has invested over $300 million in care robot research and development as a potential solution.

What are the two main categories of care robots?

1. Physical care robots – assist with lifting, mobility, feeding, bathing, and toileting.

2. Social and emotional care robots – provide companionship, therapy, and cognitive engagement for older adults.

Why haven't care robots been widely adopted in Japan?

Many robots create additional work for caregivers, are expensive, and do not meet expectations. Surveys show that only about 10% of elder-care institutions and 2% of home caregivers in Japan have used care robots.

What were the three care robots tested in the ethnographic study, and what issues did they face?

Hug (lifting robot) – Cumbersome and time-consuming to use.

Paro (robotic seal) – Some residents became too attached or tried to remove its fur.

Pepper (humanoid robot) – Required staff to lead exercises, causing boredom over time.

How do care robots change the work of caregivers?

Instead of reducing workload, robots often shift tasks from human interaction to robot maintenance, reducing social engagement between caregivers and residents.

What are the risks of relying on care robots to solve the elder care crisis?

Encourages hiring low-skilled, low-paid workers.

Reduces human interaction in caregiving.

Promotes a techno-solutionist mindset instead of addressing

Systemic issues like wages and working conditions.

What alternative solutions exist for improving elder care without relying on robots?

While technology can assist, care should be human-centered, with robots complementing caregivers rather than replacing social and emotional care.

What does the persistence of images like Robear in media suggest?

Despite not being widely used, images of robots like Robear maintain a futuristic image of Japan, reinforcing techno-orientalist narratives.

What percentage of the world's countries experienced a decline in living conditions in 2021?

90%

What index measures a country's health, education, and standard of living?

The UNDP's Human Development Index (HDI)

How many consecutive years has the Human Development Index declined globally?

Two years in a row