Published: 2024-01-25 by, News Team in the Global news category

Doomsday Clock Stays at 90 Seconds to Midnight Amid Global Threats and AI Concerns

Doomsday Clock holds steady at 90 seconds to midnight in 2024. Despite a tumultuous year marked by significant conflicts, climate uncertainties, and the rapid advancement of AI technologies, the iconic Doomsday Clock remains paused at the same ominous setting as last year.

Originally created in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists to symbolize the proximity to global catastrophe, the clock's focus has evolved beyond nuclear threats to encompass broader challenges such as technology and climate change. At its current setting, 90 seconds to midnight, it represents the closest point to potential global catastrophe in its history, contrasting sharply with the more optimistic 17-minute reset in 1991 following the Cold War's official end.

While metaphorical, the Doomsday Clock serves as a foreboding gauge of Earth's challenges. Scientists caution against interpreting the unchanged time as a positive outcome. Rachel Bronson, President and CEO of the Bulletin, emphasizes the urgency for global action, highlighting the role of younger generations in leading this charge.

In the spotlight this year is the menace of generative AI, raising concerns about the dissemination of misinformation that could exacerbate conflicts and complicate current challenges. Erica Mealy from the University of the Sunshine Coast underscores the visible impact of technology on future Doomsday Clock predictions, citing the rise of AI technologies like ChatGPT and the associated environmental concerns.

While the focus in 2024 extends beyond nuclear threats, they remain a significant factor. The Bulletin team points to the potential for a three-way nuclear arms race involving the US, China, and Russia, as well as the expanding arsenals in Iran, Pakistan, and North Korea.

Climate change emerges as a major contributor, despite record-breaking investments in clean energy. The persistent use of fossil fuels, coupled with the planet experiencing its hottest year on record, underscores the gravity of the situation. Sven Teske from the University of Technology Sydney emphasizes climate change as the world's largest threat, while acknowledging the collective efforts of scientists and engineers to address the crisis.

Despite the grim outlook, there is a glimmer of hope. The Doomsday Clock curators point to the potential for positive change, urging leaders to cooperate and act decisively. Gov. Jerry Brown emphasizes the need for collaboration among major powers to avert catastrophe, likening the current trajectory to steering the world toward peril. Science advocate Bill Nye echoes the sentiment, urging immediate action to better manage the technologies that pose existential risks.

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