Science and technology have brought the world a lot of progress, but because of this science, humanity has reached a point where the countdown to death has begun. Doomsday Clock, which since 1947 has been a symbol of the world being close to destruction, is now just 89 seconds away from midnight (Mahavinash). This is the smallest gap so far, which shows how close we have reached to a global catastrophe.
Doomsday Clock: A Warning System
This clock was made by a non-profit organization called Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which was initially only meant to show the risk of nuclear war. But after 2007, it also included disruptive technologies like climate change, biological hazards and AI. Every year, top scientists and experts decide the new time of this clock, which also includes 9 Nobel laureates.
How close is the world to destruction?
This time the clock has been moved forward from 90 seconds to 89 seconds. This means that the world has come even closer to a great destruction. Daniel Holz, chairman of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, says:
“We have set our clock for almost midnight because the world is surrounded by threats such as nuclear war, climate change, biological threats and AI. No substantial progress is being made on these challenges.”
Which threats are pushing the world towards a great destruction?
- Growing threat of nuclear war
The Russia-Ukraine war is still going on, and there is a threat of use of nuclear weapons.
The Israel-Hamas conflict is taking on new dimensions, which is increasing global instability.
China, North Korea and USA are developing new nuclear missiles, which is further intensifying the arms race.
- The frightening impact of climate change
2023 is going to be the hottest year in the world, and extreme weather events are increasing.
The impact of global warming now seems to be irreversible, but CO₂ emission is still not under control.
- Risk of AI and technology
As fast as artificial intelligence is developing, the risk of its misuse is also increasing.
AI-based weapons and autonomous drones are creating new threats.
- Fear of Biological Threats and Pandemics
Even after COVID-19, there is a threat of new biological weapons and viruses.
The wrong use of genetically modified pathogens can push the world towards a new pandemic.
What can be done now?
Only a global cooperative effort can save the world now. But the reality is that:
There is still no major progress on nuclear disarmament.
Only political statements are being made on climate change, real action is less.
Strict global rules on AI and biotechnology have not been fully developed yet.
Will humanity correct its mistake?
Doomsday Clock is just a warning symbol, but it shows how dangerous a zone we live in. If the world does not take collective action, the day is not far when this clock will be set at midnight – which will be the final signal of Mahavinash.
Time is still there, but will we be able to understand this warning signal of time?