On Wednesday, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists (BAS) moved their symbolic Doomsday Clock a minute closer to midnight, which should get people nervous if this were still the Cold War. However, in the absence of a possible nuclear showdown, the worrying move was supposed to shine a light on contemporary issues. The first is the BAS’ age-old concern over nuclear proliferation, which it thinks has not received enough action other than promises among nuclear states. The second bone it wishes to pick is climate change—unless global industry changes course, BAS claims within five years a whole lot of awful is coming humanity’s way.
Nuclear Proliferation: An Ongoing Threat
The BAS has long been vocal about the dangers of nuclear proliferation. Despite numerous international treaties and agreements aimed at curbing the spread of nuclear weapons, the organization believes that not enough concrete action has been taken. Countries like North Korea and Iran continue to develop their nuclear capabilities, raising concerns about regional and global security. The lack of significant progress in disarmament talks among major nuclear powers, such as the United States and Russia, further exacerbates the issue. The BAS argues that without a renewed commitment to reducing nuclear arsenals and preventing the spread of nuclear technology, the world remains at significant risk of a catastrophic event.
Climate Change: A Looming Catastrophe
The second major concern highlighted by the BAS is climate change. The organization warns that if global industries do not change course, the planet could face severe consequences within the next five years. Rising global temperatures, melting polar ice caps, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events are just a few of the alarming signs that climate change is accelerating. The BAS emphasizes the need for immediate and substantial action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and implement sustainable practices across all sectors of the economy. Failure to address these issues could result in widespread environmental, economic, and social disruptions.
Uh, so all those US aircraft carriers and Iranian warships crowding the Persian Gulf aren’t the harbingers of doomsday? Whew!
So, unless somebody pulls off an Ozymandias to save humanity, we should be in deep doo doo in the near future.
The Doomsday Clock serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address these critical issues. It is not just a relic of the Cold War era but a symbol of the ongoing threats that humanity faces. The BAS uses the clock to communicate the proximity of existential threats and to urge policymakers, scientists, and the public to take action. By moving the clock closer to midnight, the BAS hopes to galvanize efforts to mitigate these dangers and promote a safer, more sustainable future.
In addition to nuclear proliferation and climate change, the BAS also considers other factors that could influence the Doomsday Clock’s time. These include advancements in biotechnology, cyber warfare, and artificial intelligence, all of which have the potential to pose significant risks if not properly managed. The interconnected nature of these threats underscores the importance of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to global security and sustainability.
Anyway, if you bother to check the source article, don’t miss the embedded photo gallery on ICBMs. Fascinating stuff.
Source CNET
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