CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago-based Doomsday Clock, the measure that the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists uses to determine how close humanity is to destroying itself, remains unchanged for a third year.
The clock remains at 100 seconds to midnight - closer to midnight than ever in its history.
The Doomsday Clock statement said the “decision does not, by any means, suggest that the international security situation has stabilized. On the contrary, the Clock remains the closest it has ever been to civilization-ending apocalypse because the world remains stuck in an extremely dangerous moment.”
COVID-19 is one factor.
"Millions around the world continue to be infected by a disease caused by a virus we managed to ignore for 20 years," said Dr. Asha George, executive director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense.
Other factors considered include nuclear threats, climate change, and disruptive technologies.
"The study is not good news. In fact, it reflects the judgment of the board that we are stuck in a perilous moment. One that brings neither stability nor security," said Dr. Sharon Squassoni, of George Washington University.
Rachel Bronson, PhD, president and CEO, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, said in a statement, “The Doomsday Clock continues to hover dangerously, reminding us about how much work is needed to be done to ensure a safer and healthier planet. We must continue to push the hands of the Clock away from midnight.”
Dr. Scott Sagan, of Stanford University, mentioned Jan. 6, 2021 - the day of the Capitol Riots.
"This was clearly an assault on democracy. It was also a warning on the danger of internal threat to nuclear command of control," Dr. Sagan said. "Insurrectionists came close to capturing Vice President Mike Pence and the nuclear football that accompanies the Vice President as the backup system for nuclear launch commands."
The Doomsday Clock turned 75 this year.
The Bulletin is asking people to take part in what it calls the "Turn Back the Clock Challenge" by posting their ideas on social media with #TurnBackTheClock
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