For the second year in a row, the iconic Doomsday Clock stands at 90 seconds to midnight, a chilling reminder of the existential threats facing humanity. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists maintains the clock as a symbolic measure of global catastrophe. It cited the continued dangers posed by nuclear weapons, climate change, and biological weapons as reasons for the unchanged setting.
In a startling revelation, the Doomsday Clock has once again warned us about the precarious state of our world. This symbolic clock has been ticking for 75 years. It aims to indicate how close we are to potential global catastrophes.
As of Thursday, the clock stands at 90 seconds to midnight, the same position it has held since 2020. The Doomsday Clock is not a precise measure of existential threats but is intended to spark discussions on critical issues like climate change, according to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, the organization behind the clock.
Sharon Squassoni, co-chair of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, expressed concern. She stated, “90 seconds to midnight reflects the Board’s judgment that we are in a dangerous moment – one that brings neither stability nor security.”
What is the Doomsday Clock?
Initially focused on nuclear threats, the Doomsday Clock was created in 1947 by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. A group of scientists was involved in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. In 2007, environmental concerns, particularly climate change, were included in its considerations.
The time on the clock changes based on experts’ assessments of humanity’s proximity to potential disaster. The clock is set annually by the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, which includes 11 Nobel laureates.
How Accurate is the Clock?
The Doomsday Clock’s time is not meant to measure specific threats but to stimulate conversation and public engagement on issues like climate change and nuclear disarmament. Bronson views the clock as successful if it prompts discussions and engagement.
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It is possible to move the clock back with substantial actions, as seen in 1991 with the signing of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and in 2016 due to the Iran nuclear agreement and the Paris Climate Accord.
As the world grapples with challenges, the hope is that by addressing these issues collectively. We can move the Doomsday Clock away from midnight and towards a safer future.
