- The Doomsday Clock remains at 90 seconds to midnight, signaling high risk faced by humanity.
- Threats contributing to the high risk level include war in Ukraine, weakening nuclear arms reduction agreements, climate crisis, genetic engineering, AI, and misinformation.
- Urgent action from governments and communities globally needed; younger generations recognized for taking the lead.
Additional Coverage:
- Doomsday clock: Humanity is as close to destroying itself as it has ever been, experts say (newsbreak.com)
Humanity is facing an unprecedented level of danger, according to experts. The Doomsday Clock, which symbolically represents the world’s proximity to annihilation, has been kept at 90 seconds to midnight by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. This reflects the continuing high risk faced by humanity. Last year, the clock was also set at 90 seconds, the closest it has ever been to midnight. The decision not to change the setting this year should not lead to complacency, as the world remains unstable.
The threats that contribute to the high risk level include the ongoing war in Ukraine, the weakening of nuclear arms reduction agreements, the climate crisis, record-breaking temperatures in 2023, genetic engineering technologies, artificial intelligence, and the danger of misinformation. The scientists emphasize the need for urgent action from governments and communities globally and commend the younger generations for taking the lead.
While there have been some positive developments in addressing climate change, the overall crisis still poses a threat to humanity’s future. The Bulletin also notes that although concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence have grown, there is disagreement among experts regarding its existential risk. However, it is important to consider that the danger of AI lies in its potential control over physical systems or nuclear weapons, rather than being a standalone AI problem.
Many nations have recognized the need for controls on AI and have taken steps to govern its usage. However, war and other potential dangers continue to attract interest in its application. The Bulletin recognizes the possibility of feeling powerless and depressed in the face of such threats, but emphasizes the need for leaders and nations to work together to address these common dangers. The United States, China, and Russia, as the leading world powers, are urged to engage in serious dialogue to address the global threats outlined.
The Doomsday Clock was established in 1947 by scientists involved in the Manhattan Project. Originally focused on the danger of nuclear war, it has since evolved to consider emerging threats such as climate change, biotechnology, and AI. The clock has moved forwards and backwards over the years to reflect changing threats. The Bulletin is an independent non-profit organization led by renowned scientists.