An organization that promotes science, brought its infamous “Doomsday Clock” up to just 90 seconds before midnight. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the threat of nuclear war only adding on to the threat.
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Elbegdorj Tsakhia, the former president of Mongolia, said on January 24th during the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists’ annual report estimating how close mankind is to doing itself in, “We are really closer to that doomsday.” Scientists joined him and former Irish President Mary Robinson to highlight what they see as a convergence of numerous existential concerns, with Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s actions and words being the major one. “We need to wake up right away because both people and scientists are warning us”, he remarked.
The advocacy organization was founded in 1947 with the goal of using a clock to represent the possibility and likelihood of people taking on actions to put an end to mankind. It brought the clock 10 seconds closer to striking 12 than it did last year, which is the closest it has ever been. Since the end of the Cold War, there have been up to 17 minutes until midnight, but in recent years, the organization has switched from counting down the minutes to counting down the seconds.
Urgent action needed to prevent doomsday
President of the Bulletin, Rachel Bronson said at the online release that “We are sending a message that the situation is becoming more urgent.” “Crises are more likely to happen and have broader consequences and longer standing effects.”
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has called on world leaders to take immediate action to address the threats that have led to the clock’s movement. They have urged leaders to reduce the risk of nuclear war, address climate change, and promote democracy and human rights. This news has sparked concern and worry among the public, with many calling for greater efforts to address the issues that have led to the Doomsday Clock’s movement. The clock serves as a powerful reminder of the need for global action to prevent catastrophe and ensure the survival of humanity.
Experts sound alarm on global threats
The organization also claimed that it was disclosing the clock movement in the Russian and Ukrainian languages for the first time, underscoring the impact that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had on the timeline for theoretical doomsday.
According to Steve Fetter, dean of the graduate school and professor of public policy at the University of Maryland, Putin has frequently brought up the possibility of using nuclear weapons. “Putin has given no indication that he’s willing to accept defeat,” Fetter said. “He might make desperate moves if no other options are available that he regards as acceptable.”
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