Watch the BBC documentary “Nuclear Armageddon: How Close Are We?” to learn more. You can find it here on YouTube.
Recent events have raised fears about nuclear threats. Russia’s attack on Ukraine and North Korea’s growing nuclear arsenal are key factors. Last week, the Doomsday Clock moved to 90 seconds to midnight, its most dire setting. Let’s explore why.
Factors Leading to Increased Nuclear Risks
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A nuclear arms race is on, with China, Russia, and the U.S. all building or upgrading their arsenals, increasing the risk of a nuclear war by mistake.
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The Ukraine conflict has upped the risk, making the situation highly volatile.
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Climate change contributes to the escalating threats.
The Doomsday Clock: A Measure of Impending Disaster
The Doomsday Clock, established in 1947, shows how close we are to disaster. Its position has shifted 25 times, reflecting changes in world politics. It started at seven minutes to midnight after World War II and once hit 17 minutes during the Cold War. Now, at 90 seconds, leaders must act.
Urgency for Action
Despite arms control efforts, around 13,000 nuclear warheads are still out there, mostly in Russia and the U.S. The need for action to prevent nuclear devastation is clear.