Doomsday Clock Remains at 90 Seconds to Midnight for Second Year
It is 90 seconds to midnight.
The Doomsday Clock will remain static this year, indicating a "continuing unprecedented level of risk," as stated by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.
Originally created in 1947 after the end of the Manhattan Project, the countdown represents the perceived proximity of a global catastrophe due to human actions. Reset 25 times since its creation, the most recent adjustment brought it from 100 seconds to midnight to 90 seconds in January 2023. The Doomsday Clock serves as both a metaphor and a reminder, highlighting the critical issues that must be addressed for humanity's continued survival.
The furthest the hands have been from midnight was in 1991 at the end of the Cold War, when it was set to 17 minutes to midnight.
While the clock hasn't moved this year, it's crucial not to interpret this as a sign of global stability. Rachel Bronson, president of the Bulletin, stressed, "Resetting the clock at 90 seconds to midnight is not an indication that the world is stable. Quite the opposite."
The decision to keep the clock unchanged reflects ongoing threats across the globe, including the war in Ukraine and increased tensions across the Middle East that bring the globe closer and closer to potential nuclear escalation, and the "dramatic advance" of artificial intelligence (AI). The board emphasised the worsening climate crisis, characterised by the hottest year on record in 2023 and dramatic weather events such as widespread flooding and wildfires. Additionally, concerns about disruptive technologies and bio-threats were highlighted, further adding to the imminent peril.
Despite acknowledging positive strides, such as addressing climate change, experts stress the need for urgent action by governments and communities globally. The younger generation's activism was hailed as an inspiration, while the board calls for cooperation among major powers. Governor Jerry Brown likens world leaders to the Titanic's crew, steering towards catastrophe unless powerful nations like China, America, and Russia collaborate. The Bulletin emphasises that no single nation or leader can control these existential threats, emphasising the necessity for global cooperation and urging leaders to act decisively to avert a potential global catastrophe.
It is 90 seconds to midnight.
