The symbolic Doomsday Clock is scheduled to be updated tomorrow, symbolizing the proximity of probable human-made global calamities as the Israel-Hamas war continues, the Ukraine issue remains unresolved, and climatic disasters wreak havoc, according to the Daily Mail.
Since last year, it has been set at 90 seconds to midnight, but experts believe that given the growing geopolitical and environmental issues, it may move closer to midnight.
The Doomsday Clock: What Is It?
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ Doomsday Clock serves as a reminder that a global disaster caused by humans is imminent. Whether the chances of such a disaster have grown or decreased is reflected in the yearly update. The perception of the danger of self-destruction increases as midnight approaches.
Announcement livestreamed with background information
Tuesday, January 23, at 10 a.m. EST (3 p.m. GMT), the update will be broadcast live on the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ website and YouTube channel. The Doomsday Clock was originally designed in 1947 to allay public concerns about atomic warfare, and it has historically been updated in response to world events.
Notable modifications from earlier releases
The clock was set to the closest point ever in 2023—90 seconds—citing the extraordinary danger posed by the conflict in Ukraine and the possibility of nuclear war. On the other hand, due to a decrease in nuclear threats, the hands were set to 17 minutes to midnight in 1991, after the end of the Cold War.
Climate change’s influence on clock decisions
Since 2007, the discussion of clock-setting has taken climate change into account. It is expected that worries about climate change will factor into this year’s decision, given the continuous warnings about the effects of global warming.
Even though midnight is not predicted, given the ongoing hostilities and climatic warnings, progress appears likely. A sobering reminder of the world’s susceptibility to catastrophic occurrences is provided by the Doomsday Clock.
