The Clock is Ticking: Scientists Move 'Doomsday Clock' Closer to Midnight

The 'Doomsday Clock' has been set to 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it's ever been to a theoretical annihilation.

TL;DR
• The 'Doomsday Clock' has been set to 85 seconds to midnight due to AI and other risks.
• The clock represents how close humanity is to destroying our own world through disruptive technologies.
• Scientists are calling for action to prevent the clock from ticking closer to midnight.

Summary
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has set the 2026 'Doomsday Clock' to 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it's ever been to a theoretical annihilation. This decision is based on familiar risks such as nuclear weapons and climate change, as well as new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) that is being used to spread disinformation.

The scientists highlighted the significance of AI in supercharging disinformation, with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa stating that the world is living through 'informational armageddon' due to social media and generative AI. The clock's setting is a symbolic representation of how close humanity is to destroying the world through disruptive technologies.

Key concerns include the recent conflicts between nuclear-armed states and the potential for nuclear proliferation. The New START Treaty, which limits Russian deployed intercontinental-range nuclear weapons, is set to expire on February 4 without a clear signal that it will be renewed. The scientists are calling for leaders to reduce the danger of nuclear proliferation and reengage with Russia.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists emphasizes that the problems facing the world are human-made and solvable. To address these issues, the scientists stress the importance of experts working to find solutions and the public demanding action. Some key insights from the announcement include:
• The Doomsday Clock has been moved closer to midnight for the third time in the past five years.
• AI and social media are contributing to the spread of disinformation.
• Nuclear-armed states' conflicts and the potential for nuclear proliferation are major concerns.
• The New START Treaty is set to expire without a clear renewal signal.
• The problems facing the world are solvable with scientific expertise and public demand for action.

As the clock ticks closer to midnight, it's time to take action and find solutions to the problems facing humanity.