The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic timepiece showing how close we are to ‘destroying our world with dangerous technologies of our own making’.
For the first time in three years, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) has moved the Doomsday Clock forward by one second, to 89 seconds before midnight, indicating an increased risk of global catastrophe.
“The science and security board of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists concludes that humanity has not sufficiently addressed existential risks,” stated Daniel Holz, chair of the organization’s board, during a recent livestreamed event. “We are thus moving the clock forward.”
Ongoing dangers from nuclear weapons, climate change, bioweapons, infectious diseases, and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are driving the clock closer to its critical mark in 78 years.
What Is the Doomsday Clock?
The Doomsday Clock serves as a symbolic timepiece illustrating humanity’s proximity to a catastrophic end. Operated by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago, the clock represents the collective threat humanity faces from our own creations.
BAS describes it as multifaceted—serving as a metaphor, logo, brand, and one of the most recognizable symbols globally. As the clock ticks closer to midnight, the more severe the threats we face.
Apocalyptic risks can stem from political strife, weaponry advancements, technological developments, climate change, or pandemics.
How Is the Clock Set?
The clock’s hands are repositioned annually based on an analysis of global threats by a board comprising scientists and experts from fields like nuclear technology and climate science. This panel includes 10 Nobel laureates who examine various risks comprehensively.
“The process is akin to a doctor diagnosing a patient,” notes the BAS website. “We analyze data like lab tests and x-rays, and also consider qualitative factors. We examine a range of symptoms and circumstances, then provide a prognosis affecting our world’s future.”
Has the Clock Ever Moved Back?
Yes, the clock has been reversed several times. One of the most significant instances occurred in 1991 when the US and Soviet Union signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). This treaty aimed to reduce their nuclear weapons, moving the clock back by seven seconds.
The furthest the clock has ever been from midnight was 17 minutes, reflecting a period of relative détente and progress in global security.
When Was the Doomsday Clock Created?
The Doomsday Clock was established in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a group formed two years earlier by esteemed scientists including Albert Einstein, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and Eugene Rabinowitch. It was originally set at seven minutes to midnight.
Following the Soviet Union’s successful atomic bomb test in 1949, the clock was reassessed and moved to three minutes to midnight.
Historically, the clock has been set at its closest to midnight on two occasions: in 1953 due to US and Soviet nuclear tests and in 2018 amidst global political instability and escalating climate change.
The Doomsday Clock is housed at the Bulletin’s offices at the University of Chicago.
The movement of the Doomsday Clock provides a stark reminder of the complex and urgent threats facing our planet. It is a call for leaders and citizens alike to address the challenges head-on to ensure a safer future.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this critical issue. Your comments and perspectives can contribute to a broader discussion on global security and environmental sustainability.