The origin of the doomsday clock can be traced back to a group of international researchers who had participated in the Manhattan Project. It was first designed by Martyl Langsdorf in June 1947 who was the wife of the Manhattan Project researcher. This clock is maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Every year, the scientists identify new threats and set the minute hand on the doomsday clock, keeping in view the existing as well as emerging threats. The Doomsday clock shows how much time humanity has left until midnight. Here, midnight is a metaphor for the end of humanity, apocalypse, or nuclear Armageddon. The closer the minute hand is to midnight, the closer humanity is to the apocalypse. In 2021, the doomsday clock was set at hundred seconds to midnight.
In 2020 and 2021 reports, three major threats were identified and keeping in view those threats the clock was set at 100 seconds to midnight.1 Three threats identified are as follows;2
- Cyber-enabled information warfare
- Reduction in arms control treaties creating the threat of nuclear war
- Climate change
During the COVID-19, misleading information over the internet including misrepresentation of COVID-19 seriousness and promotion of false cures led to unnecessary deaths. Misinformation about the cause of COVID-19 also created chaos. Initially people believed that the 5G network is a cause of this virus which led to the torching of 5G towers in multiple countries. Even heads of the state relied on false information causing irresponsible statements, leading to unnecessary deaths. Social media and other search engines are continuously misleading people. This cyber-enabled misinformation is highlighted in a recent report by Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists which brought the minute hand closer to midnight.
Threats of nuclear war are increasing day by day as new technologies are emerging. As per the report, there has been a reduction in arms control treaties that can lead to a renewed arms race. Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) between Russia and the US ended while the nuclear deal with Iran also ended. Along with these, many other threats related to nuclear weapons were highlighted in the report.
Climate change is another factor that has contributed to moving the clock closer to midnight. The devastating effect of climate change can be witnessed in the form of wildfires, tropical cyclones, and heavy rainfalls. The rise in the sea level and oceans getting warmer are also due to climate change.
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