Time's Up: Scientists Warn of Critical Moment

Scientists have recently set the Doomsday Clock at 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it's ever been. This symbolic clock measures how near humanity is to an existential crisis. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, who created the clock in 1947, says we're not making enough progress on global threats like nuclear risk, climate change, and misinformation. They warn that powerful countries are investing heavily in weapons that could destroy civilization. Experts also worry about the rapid development of technologies like artificial intelligence and biotechnology, which aren't properly regulated. The clock is a reminder of the cascading crises our planet faces. Some experts argue that while the clock is an imperfect metaphor, it serves as a strong wake-up call about our tenuous existence. Midnight on the Doomsday Clock represents the moment when the Earth becomes uninhabitable. The clock hasn't hit midnight yet, and scientists hope it never will. The Bulletin's president, Rachel Bronson, believes the clock's true value lies in sparking conversations about crucial issues like climate change and nuclear disarmament. She hopes people will discuss and debate the factors driving the clock's movement. She emphasizes that even individuals can make a difference by taking small steps and talking about these issues with others.In 1991, the clock was farthest from midnight, at 17 minutes before the hour, due to significant nuclear disarmament efforts. Bronson encourages bold actions to move the clock back. She believes collective effort and global engagement are necessary to tackle these threats. Personal actions, no matter how small, can have an impact. For example, adjusting daily habits to be more eco-friendly can help mitigate climate change. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists was founded by scientists who worked on the Manhattan Project during World War II. Initially, the clock measured nuclear threats, but in 2007, it began including climate change. The clock's time changes based on the perceived proximity to global destruction. Experts from various fields, including nine Nobel laureates, set the clock every year.