The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic clock that shows how close humanity is to global disaster. It was introduced in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a group created by scientists who worked on the Manhattan Project.
What does the Doomsday Clock measure?
The clock doesn’t predict the future or tell time in a literal sense. Instead, it shows how close the world is to “midnight, which stands for human-made global disaster. This can include nuclear war, climate collapse, or new technological threats.
Who controls the Doomsday Clock?
The clock is set every year by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ Science and Security Board. They consult with Nobel Prize winners in areas like nuclear risk, climate science, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
What factors influence the clock?
Key global threats considered include:
Nuclear weapons and geopolitical tensions
Climate change and environmental damage
- Disruptive technologies, including AI and cyber warfare
- Biological threats, such as pandemics
- Disinformation and the decline of democratic institutions
Current position of the Doomsday Clock
The clock currently stands at 90 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to global disaster. This reflects growing concerns over nuclear conflicts, inaction on climate issues, and fast-moving technological risks.
Why the Doomsday Clock matters
The clock acts as a global warning signal, meant to spark public discussion and encourage world leaders to adopt policies that lower existential risks. It’s less about fear and more about urgency.
Is the Doomsday Clock controversial?
Yes. Critics argue it’s too subjective or alarmist, while supporters claim it’s an effective way to communicate complex global risks in a clear and attention-catching way.
Bottom line
The Doomsday Clock is not about fate; it’s about choice. Its message is that humanity still has the ability to step back from the edge if global leaders and societies act responsibly and together.