The Doomsday Clock, created by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, was adjusted to be roughly 90 seconds to midnight on Jan. 24, 2023. This was the closest the clock has ever been to midnight since the introduction of the project in 1947.

The objective of this project is to estimate the most accurate understanding of how close humanity is to self-annihilation, specifically through nuclear warfare. Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, the world has been figuratively holding its breath as it teeters on the line of destruction.

One of the main causes of the bulletin’s decision to adjust the position of the clock was the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Not only did the relationship between the two warring actors lead to the decision, but the involvement of western countries like the United States built up tension that is closely being observed. When the threat of the usage of nuclear weapons began to develop as rumors, the bulletin found it appropriate to make a change to the clock’s status.

Along with the war, the climate change situation and the dangers of infectious diseases prompted the timing. The influx of inaccurate information and disinformation online has led to people being misinformed about the threat that climate change poses.

Additionally, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic made its mark in 2020, people have been cautious when it comes to diseases. The pandemic demonstrated how deadly and devastating a single virus can be, and it set up consideration for the future and how humanity will deal with another circumstance like that.

Despite this event, humans have the opportunity to work toward change and promote environmentally-friendly practices that can help the planet.

Jiménez, Jesus. “Doomsday Clock Moves Closer to Midnight Than Ever.” The New York Times, 24 Jan. 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/01/24/us/doomsday-clock-midnight.html. Accessed 30 Jan. 2023.

Reuters. “Kremlin expresses alarm over ‘Doomsday Clock,’ blames U.S. and NATO.” Reuters, 25 Jan. 2023, www.reuters.com/world/europe/kremlin-expresses-alarm-over-doomsday-clock-blames-us-nato-2023-01-25/. Accessed 30 Jan. 2023.