Dooms Day Clock
How Close Are We to Danger
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has once again updated the Doomsday Clock, moving it to 90 seconds to midnight - the closest it has ever been to global catastrophe. This symbolic clock, which has been a universally recognized indicator of the world's vulnerability to manmade threats since 1947, reflects the mounting dangers we face today.
The primary reason for this alarming adjustment is the ongoing war in Ukraine. The conflict has not only threatened Ukraine's sovereignty but has also raised profound questions about international norms and the risk of nuclear escalation. Russia's actions, including threats to use nuclear weapons and violations of international protocols at nuclear reactor sites, have significantly contributed to this heightened risk.
In addition to the war in Ukraine, other factors such as climate change and disruptive technologies continue to pose significant threats to global security. The Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which includes 10 Nobel laureates, emphasizes that these dangers are unprecedented and require immediate global attention.
As QA professionals, we understand the importance of assessing risks and implementing measures to mitigate them. The Doomsday Clock serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for international cooperation and proactive measures to address these existential threats. By staying informed and advocating for responsible policies, we can contribute to a safer and more secure future.
Website Description
Founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein and University of Chicago scientists who helped develop the first atomic weapons in the Manhattan Project, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists created the Doomsday Clock two years later, using the imagery of apocalypse (midnight) and the contemporary idiom of nuclear explosion (countdown to zero) to convey threats to humanity and the planet. The Doomsday Clock is set every year by the Bulletin?s Science and Security Board in consultation with its Board of Sponsors, which includes 10 Nobel laureates. The Clock has become a universally recognized indicator of the world?s vulnerability to global catastrophe caused by manmade technologies.
https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/2023-doomsday-clock-statement/