Earth is once again on the brink of an apocalypse, according to a science-focused advocacy group that referenced the renowned “Doomsday Clock,” indicating a mere 90 seconds remaining until midnight.
The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, in its annual declaration on Tuesday, assessed the proximity of humanity to potential annihilation. Factors contributing to this assessment included the nuclear threat posed by Russia’s actions in Ukraine, recent attacks in Israel on October 7th, ongoing conflicts in Gaza, escalating climate-related calamities, and the risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence.
Rachel Bronson, the CEO of the Bulletin group, highlighted the escalating concerns by emphasizing that last year the clock was advanced to 90 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to a global catastrophe. The persisting risks identified in the previous year continue to loom large and influence the current evaluation.
Since its inception in 1947, the advocacy group has utilized the Doomsday Clock as a symbolic representation of the imminent peril faced by humanity. Following the conclusion of the Cold War, the clock was set at a relatively distant 17 minutes to midnight. However, in response to the rapid pace of global transformations, the group has shifted from measuring minutes to seconds in its countdown.
Despite the dire outlook, the group suggested that the clock could be reversed if world leaders and nations collaborated effectively. It specifically called upon influential countries such as the United States, China, and Russia to leverage their capabilities towards this collective goal.
