This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Stewart Lockie explores the battles to control time, especially future time, that define our age. Safe passage to the future, he argues, is ultimately about power and who gets to decide what versions of the future are worth aiming for. Prof Stewart Lockie is a sociologist and the Director of The Cairns Institute at James Cook University. His research addresses questions such as how people understand and respond to environmental change? The effectiveness of environmental policy? Who is affected by resource development? And how to support sustainable livelihoods and food security? About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)