The Doomsday Clock, a symbolic representation of how close the world is to nuclear Armageddon, will remain at 90 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been. This decision by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists raises concerns about the rising risks of a new nuclear arms race, the Ukraine war, and climate change. The clock is reset annually and takes into account factors such as emerging technologies and global conflicts. China, Russia, and the US are all investing heavily in expanding and modernizing their nuclear arsenals, adding to the ever-present danger of nuclear war through mistake or miscalculation.
The ongoing war in Ukraine poses another risk of nuclear escalation. This announcement serves as a reminder of the lack of progress in addressing climate change and the potential dangers associated with emerging biological technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). Established in 1947 by J Robert Oppenheimer and fellow US scientists who witnessed the devastating effects of nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Doomsday Clock seeks to warn the public and pressure world leaders to prevent the use of nuclear weapons.
Throughout its history, the clock has moved 25 times, with the time starting at seven minutes to midnight in 1947 and reaching its lowest point of 17 minutes to midnight at the end of the Cold War in 1991. However, the clock has been steadily inching closer to midnight due to geopolitical tensions and the development of more powerful nuclear weapons. Rachel Bronson, the president of the Bulletin, emphasizes that major countries, including the UK, are investing in their nuclear arsenals as if these weapons are usable for a long time. This disregard for responsibility raises concerns as leaders fail to take appropriate action.
Despite decades of arms control agreements, there are still approximately 13,000 nuclear warheads globally, with the majority belonging to Russia and the US. Six other countries are officially recognized as nuclear powers, including the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, and North Korea. Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons but has never confirmed it. These modern nuclear weapons are significantly more powerful than those used in World War Two, adding to the potential devastation of any future conflict.
Recent developments in the UK demonstrate further risks associated with nuclear weapons. The country increased its cap on warheads from 225 to 260 in 2021, signaling an intent to expand its nuclear force. Tensions between the UK and Russia have led to rhetoric suggesting the possibility of Moscow’s nuclear weapons targeting the UK. The UK’s nuclear deterrent is housed at the Faslane base in Scotland, which is home to Vanguard submarines carrying Trident missiles armed with nuclear warheads.
Public protests against the presence of nuclear weapons continue, particularly regarding the potential return of US weapons to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. Despite prior efforts to remove all US nuclear missiles from UK soil, there are concerns that US “special” weapons may be stationed at this base. Public opinion in the UK leans against the presence of nuclear bombs, reflecting the general sentiment that these weapons pose a significant threat to global security.
Internationally, leaders such as President Putin have used nuclear weapons as a means of deterrence and leverage. Experts warn that increasing tensions, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and geopolitical conflicts exacerbate the risks of nuclear war. The addition of North Korea to the nuclear club under the leadership of Kim Jong-Un further raises concerns, as the country has tested nuclear-capable missiles with the potential to reach the United States.
In conclusion, the decision to keep the Doomsday Clock at 90 seconds to midnight highlights the increasing threat of nuclear war due to the nuclear arms race, the Ukraine war, and climate change. The lack of action and responsibility by major countries, including the UK, is alarming. It is crucial for world leaders to prioritize disarmament efforts, address the risks of emerging technologies, and take concrete steps to mitigate climate change. The consequences of nuclear war are catastrophic, and global cooperation is vital to prevent such a disaster from becoming a reality.
