TIME'S UP!
Who controls the Doomsday Clock?
AI is a fresh concern for Bulletin scientists
SCIENTISTS are set to reset the official Doomsday Clock and have cited AI as an existential threat for 2024.
The clock serves as a wake-up call to all about global threats such as nuclear war, dangerous technologies and mass health concerns.
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What is the Doomsday Clock?
The Doomsday Clock is a metaphor that represents how close humanity is to self-destruction, due to nuclear weapons and climate change.
Upon its creation in 1947, the clock's position was based on the threat posed by nuclear weapons, which Bulletin scientists viewed as humanity's single greatest threat.
In 2007, the Bulletin started taking into account the disasters triggered by climate change in its hand-setting deliberations.
In 1991, the clock was the furthest away it has ever been at 17 minutes to midnight following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the signing of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
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Today, the clock has never been closer at 90 seconds to midnight.
What happens if the Doomsday Clock reaches midnight?
Midnight would mean that experts think things on Earth are in dire straits, but it isn't really intended to reach its final point.
Remember, it's not an actual clock, nor a countdown, it just serves as a warning to get our act together.
In real terms, if the clock really did hit midnight, nothing would actually happen there and then anyway.
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It is purely illustrative based on the opinions and predictions of the Science and Security Board that run it.
Who controls the Doomsday Clock?
The clock hands are set by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a group formed by Manhattan Project scientists at the University of Chicago who helped build the atomic bomb but protested using it against people.
What factors affect the Doomsday Clock?
Last year, a panel of scientists revealed that the new time represents fears over nuclear weapons being used by Russia.
Panel member Dr. Steve Fetter said: "The risk of nuclear catastrophe is higher today than last year."
Elbegdorj Tsakhia, former president and prime minister of Mongolia, said the new time should be "cause for concern" and that we're closer than ever to disaster.
In 2024, AI has been touted as a factor which could edge the clock hands closer to midnight.
Rachel Bronson, president and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, told USA Today: "Climate change and nuclear risk continue to play very large factors in setting the timing of the Doomsday Clock.
"As the effects of the climate crisis become more felt and the threats of nuclear escalation in Ukraine and nuclear arms racing globally continue to loom large."
"For many years we have also considered various disruptive technologies from online misinformation to new bioresearch.
"This year the technology conversation must also include the recent rapid advancements in AI."
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Is the Doomsday Clock accurate?
Again, it's worth remembering that the clock is a metaphor and should be viewed as such.
Despite its stark assessments, The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists believes humans can lessen the threats to humanity that they've created.