Doomsday Clock Remains At 90 Seconds, Humans In Unexpected Hazard Threshold

Illustration of Doom's Day Clock which is still at 90 seconds (photo: newsletter screenshot)

JAKARTA - Scientists behind the Doomsday Clock state that humans are still in "unprecedented danger times." This symbolic clock, which shows how close the world is to total destruction, remains at 90 seconds into midnight - the theoretical point of annihilation.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which determines the position of the clock, stated that this is the closest time for a global disaster since its start in 1947 after World War II.

The 2023 study notes that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Gaza, along with advances in artificial technology - widely referred to as the new nuclear arms race - is a major factor in the decision.

Rachel Total, president and CEO of Bulletin, highlighted that the hotspots of worldwide conflict pose a threat of nuclear escalation, while climate change has already caused death and damage. The advancement of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence and biological research is also growing faster than their security.

Although Doomsday Clock remains unchanged from the previous year, this decision is not an indication that the world is stable. On the other hand, it urges governments and communities around the world to act immediately. Bulletin still hopes and is inspired to see the younger generation lead the changes.

Doomsday Clock itself was founded by United States scientists involved in the Manhattan Project, which produced the first nuclear weapons during World War II. This clock is a symbolic countdown that reflects how close humanity is to a complete global disaster. Although first created as a danger representation of nuclear weapons, climate change began to be recognized as a factor in 2007.

The decision on the position of clock clocks is based on the current global risk evaluation compared to the previous year and in the context of more than 75 years of Doom's Day Clock existence. The main factor in 2023 includes war in Ukraine and Gaza, increasingly detrimental climate change, and advances in technology that could have a significant impact on human life.

Despite the global conditions facing serious challenges, Bulletin remains optimistic about seeing the younger generation as a pioneer in the changes needed to maintain the security and survival of this world.