Doomsday Clock Ticks Closer Than Ever to Apocalypse

The Doomsday Clock, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, was set to 85 seconds to midnight on Tuesday, the closest it has ever been to symbolizing global catastrophe. The Bulletin, comprised of experts in global security, climate, and nuclear science, cited factors like rising tensions between nuclear powers, climate inaction, disruptive technologies, and the increase in autocratic governments. The clock, created in 1947, serves as a metaphor for humanity's proximity to self-destruction. The Bulletin's president urged global leaders to take swift action to mitigate these risks. Antinuclear activists, including those working with atomic bombing survivors, emphasized the urgent need to avoid global catastrophe, noting the heightened risk of nuclear war.

The Doomsday Clock, a symbolic representation of global catastrophe risk, was moved to 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced the change, citing growing concerns about nuclear weapons, climate change, and disinformation. The shift, determined after consulting with experts including Nobel laureates, reflects increasing global aggression and nationalism among major countries like the US, Russia, and China. The board warned of a heightened risk of a nuclear arms race, particularly with the impending expiration of the New START treaty and the US pursuing space militarization. This announcement comes a year into Donald Trump's second term, during which the US has withdrawn from international organizations and pursued unilateral actions.