Is The End Near? Doomsday Clock Issues Dire Warnings About The State Of The World

The Doomsday Clock was set to 100 seconds until midnight on Thursday based on the “continuing and dangerous threats posed by nuclear weapons, climate change, disruptive technologies and COVID-19.”

The clock, which has been maintained since 1947 and run by the Bulletin, raises conversations about the potential threats to life on Earth and names several factors as to why Doomsday is inching closer.

“The Clock remains the closest it has ever been to civilization-ending apocalypse because the world remains stuck in an extremely dangerous moment,” a statement from the Doomsday Clock reads.

The group cited several concerns leading to the decision, noting that there are nations that are still developing nuclear weapons that pose a threat to the global population, as well as politically motivated extremist events, such as the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The group noted that it helped further deteriorate global stability because those involved came close to capturing then-Vice President Mike Pence and his backup “nuclear football.” The fact that 10% of the insurrectionists were former or current military service members was another alarm.

The group noted a lack of progress in reducing the effects of man-made climate change is another factor.

Many countries have announced net-zero goals by 2050 or later, and protests around the world to advance climate change initiatives show promise, but more work is needed.

“Private and public investors should redirect funds away from fossil fuel projects to climate-friendly investments,” the group suggested. “The world’s wealthier countries should [also] provide more financial support and technology cooperation to developing countries to undertake strong climate action.”

Also mentioned was the threat of biological contagions like COVID-19. The Doomsday Clock calls for a more rapid and comprehensive response to potential and current threats posed by viruses and diseases around the world. Biological weapons are also a serious threat.

“The world is failing to recognize the multifaceted nature of the biological threat. Advances in biological science and technology can harm us as well as help us,” the group states.

The group also names misinformation and disinformation as threats to the world, specifically mentioning U.S. lawmakers and the White House under former President Donald Trump and the false narratives pushed about the 2020 U.S. presidential election and the coronavirus.

“Governments, technology firms, academic experts and media organizations should cooperate to identify and implement practical and ethical ways to combat internet-enabled misinformation and disinformation,” the group states.

Cyberattacks and plans to limit their effects as well as increased tensions in space are also potential threats mentioned in the report.