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The Doomsday Clock is a metaphorical clock conceptualised in 1947 to illustrate how near humanity is to a worldwide catastrophe, often highlighting the dangers of nuclear conflict, climate change, or other existential risks
An additional second has been added, making it 89 seconds until midnight. (News18 Hindi)
The Doomsday Clock has once again been adjusted. This clock represents how close humanity is to annihilation. An additional second has been added, making it 89 seconds until midnight – the closest it has ever been, pointing to nuclear threats, the misuse of biological science and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as climate change as the main reasons for this year’s change.
What is the Doomsday Clock?
The Doomsday Clock is a metaphorical clock conceptualised in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) to illustrate how near humanity is to a worldwide catastrophe, often highlighting the dangers of nuclear conflict, climate change, or other existential risks. The Bulletin’s Science and Security Board periodically adjusts the clock’s minute hand based on current events and global hazards. It is not a precise forecast but it is utilized to draw attention to urgent global challenges that could jeopardize humanity’s existence.
As the minute hand approaches midnight, humanity nears disaster. Midnight symbolizes the collapse of civilization or an existential crisis.
Over the years, the clock has been adjusted several times, particularly in response to significant political or technological developments such as nuclear testing, geopolitical strife, or progress in artificial intelligence and climate change.
Highlighted Events in the Clock’s Timeline:
- 1947: Originally positioned at 7 minutes to midnight, indicating the initial Cold War era and the emergence of nuclear weapons.
- 1953: Adjusted to 2 minutes to midnight following the hydrogen bomb tests by both the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
- 1991: Set at 17 minutes to midnight after the Cold War concluded and arms control treaties were enacted, marking the furthest distance from midnight in its history.
- 2018: Moved back to 2 minutes to midnight due to heightened concerns regarding nuclear threats and climate change.
- 2023: The clock was reset to an unprecedented 90 seconds to midnight driven by ongoing nuclear tensions, climate-related issues, and other global dangers.
This symbolic timepiece reflects how near the world is to catastrophe. Daniel Holz, a scientist with BAS, stressed that this adjustment serves as a caution to global leaders.
Initially set at seven minutes to midnight in 1947, the clock stood at 90 seconds from midnight last year before moving one second closer this time.
According to the BAS, “The world is already teetering on the edge of destruction, and an increase of even one second on this clock is profoundly alarming. Every second’s extension may heighten the risk of global ruin.”
What are the current estimated risks?
With the war in Ukraine approaching its third year, a single erroneous decision, incident, or miscalculation could trigger a nuclear conflict. Furthermore, the situation in the Middle East holds the potential to erupt into a wider war at any moment.
Experts have also warned that current measures to tackle climate change fall short. The panel noted that many governments are not taking adequate actions to prevent global warming. Additionally, the BAS remarked that both emerging and longstanding diseases continue to threaten the global economy, society, and security.
The AI Risk
BAS highlighted Artificial Intelligence as a new danger, claiming that the improper use of technologies like AI is escalating global risks. AI is being utilized for military purposes in Ukraine and the Middle East, with numerous nations incorporating AI into their armed forces.
Scientists also pointed out the risks posed by misinformation, conspiracy theories, and the spread of fake news or misinformation.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
