The Doomsday Clock has been moved closer to midnight: scientists warn of growing global risks
Scientists from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists association have moved the hands of the symbolic "Doomsday Clock" forward to 85 seconds before midnight, which is the most dangerous indicator in the history of observations. This was reported by Interesting Engineering.
Scientists explain the decision by a combination of factors that, in their opinion, indicate an increased risk of global catastrophe. Among the key reasons are the breakdown of international agreements, increased competition between major powers, and the weakening of collective security mechanisms.
Experts included Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, the conflict between India and Pakistan in May last year, and the strikes by Israel and the US on Iran in the list of major threats. Scientists emphasise that the combination of these events increases the risk of a direct confrontation between states with nuclear capabilities.
The rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies and their impact on security and the information space are highlighted separately. Bulletin board member Steve Fetter warned that the uncontrolled use of AI, in particular the creation of fake videos and images, could manipulate public opinion, provoke violence and destabilise societies.
Another factor is the worsening climate crisis. Scientists point to the increase in droughts, heat waves and floods, as well as the lack of coordinated international action to curb global warming. They also criticise political decisions aimed at expanding the use of fossil fuels instead of developing renewable energy.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists was founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein, Robert Oppenheimer and scientists from the University of Chicago. The Doomsday Clock appeared in 1947 as a symbolic indicator of how close humanity is to self-destruction. Initially, it reflected nuclear risks, but later climate, biological and technological threats were added.
In recent years, the clock's hands have repeatedly approached midnight: from 90 seconds in 2023 to 89 seconds last year, and the current reading of 85 seconds is a record low.
Doomsday Clock, military conflicts, climate change, artificial intelligence
