The Best is Yet to Be, or Not To Be

What is the NBN Completion Announcement

the Australian government declared the NBN "built and fully operational" after over a decade of development.

What were some Background and Challenges of the National Broadband Network (NBN)

The project began in the mid-2000s with the goal of providing nationwide broadband.

Initial plans aimed for a fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) network.

In 2013, the new government opted for a cheaper, multi-technology mix, including fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) and cable networks.

This decision faced criticism for being inadequate, leading to costly rebuilds and concerns about future competitiveness.

What were some critisism and issues of the National Broadband Network (NBN)

High wholesale charges limit retail profitability and contribute to expensive broadband prices.

Satellite services remain slow, and wireless options in regional areas are often suboptimal.

Poor clarity between NBN and retailers for service responsibility during outages.

What was teh performance like of National Broadband Network (NBN)

Despite criticism, the NBN did not hinder Australia's economic performance or adoption of streaming services like Netflix.

It held up during the 2020 remote work boom.

What was the new digital laws for Australia Minister Paul Fletcher announced?

He requires platforms to remove "seriously harmful" content directed at adults within 24 hours of notification.

Strengthened cyber-bullying protections for children were introduced.

Changes to Consumer Data Right Rules now allow bank customers to share data with other financial institutions.

What are some factors of the Current Canada Rail travel

Only 50% of Via Rail trips were on time in Q3 2023.

The train from Toronto to Montreal takes 5 hours and 8 minutes—only slightly faster than driving.

Tickets for this route can cost over $300 for a round trip, making driving economically preferable.

Advantages of Rail Travel in Canada

Convenient boarding between downtown cores without long security lines or airport parking fees.

Provides a smoother travel experience compared to other modes of transportation.

Canada is the only ____ country without high speed trains

Canada is the only G7 country without high-speed trains.

What countries do high-speed trains exist

High-speed trains exist in countries like Japan, China, France, and the U.S., with speeds exceeding 450 km/h.

What city corridor proposal involves faster electric trains and more frequent service?

The Windsor-Quebec City corridor proposal involves faster electric trains and more frequent service.

What was Bertha and how big is it?

Bertha is the world's largest tunnel-boring machine, weighing 7,000 tons and measuring about the length of a football field.

Where was Bertha planned to be situated?

Underground highway in Seattle.

What were the operational failures of Bertha?

Bertha overheated and broke down.

What date did Bertha break down?

In December 2013

What were some engineering challenges with Bertha?

Hoisting the massive 2,000-ton cutterhead to the surface was a complex task undertaken by engineers.

Attempts to fix Bertha triggered a series of additional construction problems.

What was the impact of Bertha's Reputation?

The incident cemented the project's status as one of the largest megaproject fiascos in history.

What was WHO's Declaration of Loneliness as a Global Health Concern?

Loneliness is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a significant public health threat.

Health risks of loneliness are comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, greater than risks from obesity and physical inactivity.

What is the Formation of International Commission on Loneliness

Led by Dr. Vivek Murthy (US Surgeon General) and Chido Mpemba (African Union youth envoy).

Includes 11 advocates and government ministers from various countries.

The commission will run for three years, focusing on social connection.

What are some general Health and Social Impacts of Loneliness

In older adults: 50% increased risk of dementia. 30% increased risk of coronary artery disease or stroke.

Among adolescents: Between 5% and 15% report loneliness (figures may be underestimated). African adolescents report loneliness at a rate of 12.7%, compared to 5.3% in Europe.

Impacts on young people: Loneliness at school can lead to dropping out of university. Poor social connections can lead to lower job satisfaction and poorer economic outcomes.

. Global and Regional Causes of Loneliness

Loneliness is not restricted to developed countries; its rates are similar worldwide for older adults.

Factors contributing to loneliness in Africa include unemployment, climate crises, and peace/security challenges.

Mpemba highlighted the exclusion of vulnerable populations due to the digital divide.

State the Broader Awareness Post-Pandemic of Loneliness

Covid-19 worsened loneliness by halting social and economic activity.

The pandemic also increased awareness of the importance of addressing social isolation.

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened awareness of loneliness but what did it also introduce?

Also introduced challenges, such as increased depression, harmful substance use, and suicidal behavior.

What structural and Social Factors influence the risk of loneliness across different stages of life.

Poverty, education, transport, housing, and inequality

What does "kodokushi" mean in Japanese

Lonely deaths

What are some reasons Japan is facing a growing loneliness epidemic

The aging population, declining traditional family structures, and societal pressures.

What is the estimated number of "Kodokushi" in Japan

30,000 cases though it could be higher

Causes of Loneliness in Japan

Breakdown of traditional multi-generational households, which previously served as social safety nets for the elderly.

Grueling work schedules and precarious employment conditions have left people with little time to socialize or form families.

What is "hikikomori" in englsih

Shut in

What are the Technological Solutions Japan is performing to cure loneliness

Paro the Robotic Seal, Sony's Aibo Robot Dogs, Softbank's Pepper, Gatebox Virtual Partner

What does Paro the Robotic Seal do?

Provides therapy and social interaction for the elderly in care facilities.

Describe the Sony's Aibo Robot Dogs.

Owners form strong emotional bonds with these pets.

Describe Softbank's Pepper

Humanoid robot used in care centers for companionship and exercise sessions

Describe Gatebox Virtual Partner

Anime-inspired VR companion aimed at younger men lacking relationships.

What is Robear

a lifting robot

What is Pepper

a humanoid robot

Why create robots?

Japan faces a rapidly aging population, leading to a lack of care workers, robots are seen as a solution to fill this gap without importing labor or increasing wages.

What are the different robots in Japan designed for

physical tasks (lifting, mobility, exercise) and those intended for emotional and social care (companionship, reducing cognitive decline, and managing dementia

What mental health issues did children and youth face during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to UNICEF?

Increased screen time, loneliness, lack of exercise, disrupted routines, and higher family stress worsened mental health.

What are the long-term consequences of poor mental health in children and youth post-pandemic?

School dropouts, unhealthy lifestyles, relationship issues, and increased risk of depression and anxiety.

What are the benefits and concerns of using elder care robots in Japan?Benefits: reduced caregiver strain, increased elder independence.Concerns: cost, privacy, data use, and lack of genuine emotional connection.

What two types of indicators are used to compare living standards globally in the BBC article?

Income-based indicators like GDP, and non-income indicators like health, education, sanitation, and freedom.

Why might GDP be a misleading measure of a country's living standards?

It doesn't account for income inequality, environmental health, or access to quality services.

What is the issue with South Korea's population, and what are the effects?

Extremely low birth rates have led to fewer students and university closures.

What global trend did the UNDP report on living standards reveal in 2021?

Living standards declined in 90% of countries, with the Human Development Index (HDI) falling for two consecutive years—the first time in 32 years.

What key factors contributed to the global decline in living standards according to the UNDP?

Climate change, COVID-19, and the war in Ukraine created an "uncertainty complex" that worsened global conditions.

How does the recent decline in HDI compare to past global crises like the 2007 recession?

During the 2007 recession, only about 10% of countries saw HDI decline, compared to 90% in 2021, showing greater severity now.

What role does inequality play in the decline of global living standards?

Persistent inequality and deprivation worsen the impact of global crises, affecting countries unevenly.

What real-world crises were highlighted by UNDP chief Achim Steiner as worsening living standards?

Floods, droughts, wildfires, and the lasting effects of the pandemic.

Which countries ranked highest on the HDI, according to the UNDP?

Highest: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland

Which countries ranked lowest on the HDI, according to the UNDP?

.Lowest: South Sudan, Chad, Niger.

How has the United States' HDI ranking changed since 1990?

It dropped from 1st in 1990 to 21st place.

What did the UNDP caution about interpreting HDI data across countries?

Not all countries had complete data, and comparisons should be made cautiously.

.What historic pattern did the UNDP report identify in global living standards?

In 2021, 90% of countries experienced a decline in living standards, with the HDI falling for two consecutive years—the first time in 32 years.

What major global crises contributed to the drop in the Human Development Index (HDI)?

Climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine.

What deep-rooted issues worsened the global decline in living standards according to the UNDP?

Persistent inequalities and human development deprivations

What humanitarian challenges did Achim Steiner highlight in the UNDP report?

Floods, droughts, wildfires, and the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

Q: Which countries ranked highest and lowest on the HDI according to the 2021 report?

Highest: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland.Lowest: South Sudan, Chad, Niger.

What was the HDI ranking change for the United States from 1990 to 2021?

It dropped from 1st to 21st place.

What data limitations did the UNDP mention in their 2021 HDI report?

Not all indicators were available for every country; caution is advised when making comparisons.

Which countries or regions were excluded or handled differently in the 2021 HDI report?

North Korea, Somalia, Nauru, and Monaco were excluded. Hong Kong was counted separately, but Taiwan and Macau were not.

According to Rachel Aroesti, why have podcasts become surrogate friendships?

Their personal, relatable content and storytelling create parasocial relationships, especially during the isolation of the pandemic.

What does the article suggest about the limits of podcast companionship?

While podcasts offer convenient and controlled company, they cannot replace real, meaningful social relationships.

What was the purpose of the Big Dig in Boston, and what problems did it face?

It aimed to reduce traffic by replacing the elevated Central Artery with a tunnel. It faced delays, cost overruns (~$14.6B), and leaks.

What record does the Channel Tunnel hold, and what was its significance?

It is the longest undersea tunnel in the world (~50 km), connecting the UK and France. It boosted EU-UK trade and travel.

What is the California High-Speed Rail project, and what are its major challenges?

A planned high-speed rail from SF to LA. It faces delays, land acquisition issues, political opposition, and funding problems.

What is Sejong City, and what are its main goals and challenges?

A smart administrative city in South Korea meant to relieve pressure on Seoul. Many officials still prefer Seoul; faces political resistance.

What is Hambantota, and why is it controversial geopolitically?

A port city in Sri Lanka funded by China's BRI. Sri Lanka leased it to China for 99 years due to debt, seen as a "debt trap."

What is NEOM and why is it significant to Saudi Arabia's future?

A $500B futuristic city including "The Line." Aims to diversify the economy with AI and clean energy. Faces feasibility and human rights concerns.

What are the Khazar Islands, and what happened to the project?

A planned island city in the Caspian Sea meant to rival Dubai. Included a 1 km skyscraper. Stalled due to economic issues.

What is the Three Gorges Dam, and what are its positive and negative impacts?

The world's largest hydroelectric dam in China. Powers 60M people but displaced 1.3M and may increase earthquake risk.

What is the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and why is it politically sensitive?

The world's longest sea-crossing bridge (~55 km). Strengthens China's control over Hong Kong, with safety and political concerns.

What is the New Eurasia Land Bridge, and what role does it play in China's global strategy?

A rail network linking China to Europe, part of the BRI. Faster than sea freight, expands China's influence in Central Asia and Europe.