He Apocalypse clockadministered by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists Science and Safety Council, symbolizes how close we are to a global catastrophe. Created in 1947 by the artist Martyl Langsdorfinspired by the debates on nuclear weapons, initially focused on the atomic risk. In 2007, its focus was expanded to include threats such as climate change and uncontrolled technology. Since their creation, the hands have been adjusted 25 times, reflecting the evolution of rglobal risks. The clock reached its furthest position from midnight in 1991 after the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between the United States and the USSR.
However, in January 2023, it reached its most critical point: 90 seconds before midnightdue to tensions such as the war between Russia and Ukraine, nuclear threats and environmental deterioration. Despite criticisms of its methodology, such as those of Lawrence Krauss, which call into question its subjectivity, the clock is not intended to predict specific events, but rather to alert people to the need to act to avoid disasters. If it struck midnight, it would represent the collapse of civilization as we know it, whether from nuclear war, climate crisis, or other catastrophes.
It’s time for the apocalypse
THE echoes of a possible Third World War resonate after more than 1,000 days of conflict between Russia and Ukraine. But this is not the only source of tension: the confrontation between Israel and Hamas, growing nuclear tensions between the United States, Russia and China, as well as the impact of climate change, paint a worrying picture. The year 2023 was the hottest on record, accompanied by devastating natural disasters, like hurricanes and fires, that appear to reflect a planet in crisis.
He Apocalypse clockwith only midnight 90 seconds left, represents the most serious threat in its history. This is not just a number, but a warning: we are getting dangerously close to a point of no return. Global catastrophe, whether due to nuclear war, environmental collapse, or technological collapse, seems more likely than ever. This clock does not measure literal time, but rather the level of existential threat to humanity.
In 1991, the Doomsday Clock marked its maximum distance from midnight, with 15 minutes, in a context of optimism after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. In contrast, today, the war between Russia and Ukraine, the nuclear advances of North Korea and Iran, and the expansion of the arsenals of powers like Russia and the United States are raising fears of war. worldwide.
Added to this are technological advances, such as Artificial intelligencewhich could amplify misinformation and make global risk management more difficult. Scientists have noted that since 2019, global conditions have deteriorated significantly, pushing the clock to 100 seconds from midnight in 2020 and finally to 90 seconds in 2023.
THE science and security expertswho assess factors such as armed conflict, climate change and technological risks, are the ones who adjust the Doomsday Clock. Although it does not predict specific events, it aims to raise awareness of the need for urgent action to avoid disaster.
In 2024, the clock remains set at 90 seconds, reflecting a convergence of threats. More than an indicator, it is a wake-up call about how current decisions are shaping the future of humanity.
The date of the end of the world according to Stephen Hawking
The question of the end of the world has always intrigued humanity. Even though many predictions have proven wrong, the subject remains fascinating. Among the most remarkable calculations is that of physicist Stephen Hawkingwho estimated that the Earth could become uninhabitable by the year 2600. According to him, by then, the planet will transform into a “giant ball of fire”consequence of problems such as climate change, global warming and excessive consumption of resources.
In his documentary “The Search for a New Earth”, Hawking pointed out that population growth and intensive energy consumption will lead to inevitable collapse if drastic measures are not taken. Furthermore, he warned that humanity could face this fate sooner if it persists in unsustainable consumption and indiscriminate exploitation of resources.
For its part, NASA does not set a specific date for the end of the world, but supports concerns about the end of the world. consequences of climate change and excessive energy consumption. The space agency is actively working on initiatives to protect the planet, such as monitoring potentially dangerous asteroids and studying the effects of climate change. It also encourages the development of sustainable technologies and strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of space and Earth.
Furthermore, Hawking argued that environmental and energy issues that we face are not insurmountable. According to the scientist, with ingenuity and technological advances, it is possible to develop solutions that allow humanity to overcome these challenges.
