Doomsday Clock Moves Closer to Midnight, Inching Closer to World Annihilation

In a recent announcement, the symbolic Doomsday Clock has moved closer to midnight than ever before, signaling that humanity is dangerously close to annihilation due to man-made actions.

The clock, which was set to 90 seconds to midnight, is a measure of how close our planet is to complete self-inflicted annihilation. The decision to move the clock was made by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) science and security board, which includes 13 Nobel Laureates.

The adjustment to the clock’s movement this year is due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine., according to the board, adding that the war has raised concerns about how nations interact, as well as an apparent downfall in international conduct.

“Russia’s thinly veiled threats to use nuclear weapons remind the world that escalation of the conflict—by accident, intention, or miscalculation—is a terrible risk. The possibility that the conflict could spin out of anyone’s control remains high,” the statement said.

The BAS also highlighted other threats to humanity, such as climate change, biological threats, and disruptive technologies. The board noted that the war’s effects are not limited to an increase in nuclear danger, but also negatively impact global efforts to combat climate change.

Moreover, world leaders will also need to continue to identify and address biological risks, whether the origin is natural, accidental, or intentional, as the world continues to experience fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The board added that a pandemic is no longer a once-in-a-lifetime risk.

The farthest away the clock hands have ever been was right after the end of the Cold War, set at 17 minutes from midnight. However, in 2020, the clock hands were moved 100 seconds closer to midnight.

The clock hands stayed relatively at the same place in 2021 and 2022.

The CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Rachel Bronson, said that though humans created these problems, the board also believes that humans can reduce the risks with global engagement. The announcement was made available in Ukrainian and Russian as well as English, due to the war in Ukraine.

The Doomsday Clock serves as a reminder to humanity of the dangers that it faces and the need for immediate action to reduce the risks and prevent catastrophe. (GFB)