Doomsday Clock at 89 Seconds Amid Global Threats

The Doomsday Clock has been set to 89 seconds to midnight, marking the closest it has ever been to symbolizing a global catastrophe. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists cites several escalating threats, including nuclear tensions, climate change, biological risks, and the rapid advancement of disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence. Daniel Holz, Chair of the Bulletin's Science and Security Board, highlights the inadequate global response to these challenges as a reason for the change. The decision also reflects ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, and the potential for nuclear escalation. The clock serves as a metaphor to underscore the urgency of addressing these existential threats, not as a precise prediction of disaster. Critics, like Anthony Glees, argue against the anti-nuclear stance, asserting that nuclear weapons provide a deterrent that prevents conflicts from escalating.