Due to the war violence in Ukraine, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists set the doomsday clock to 90 seconds. The symbolic doomsday clock was created after the chaos of World War II in 1947 to symbolize the nearness of an event that would end humanity, namely a nuclear war. Last year was the closest that the clock had ever come to midnight, but now the doomsday clock is crawling even closer to doomsday. 

The creation of the doomsday clock was prompted by the start of the nuclear age.  The doomsday clock only brings light to the ever-increasing destruction and terrors of the world: The world’s first atomic bomb was used on Hiroshima August 6, 1945, and 3 days later on Nagasaki August 9, 1945. These are events that bring the world closer to doomsday. Ever since the nuclear bombs of World War II were dropped, scientists believed that the world has become much closer to collapse.

“[The clock was made] to symbolize the potential and likelihood of people doing something to end humanity,” said Seth Borenstein from the Associated Press.

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists and Security Board noted how close the end of humanity is. They understood that there isn’t much time left for anyone. 

“Finding a path to serious peace negotiations could go a long way toward reducing the risk of escalation,” the Board said. “In this time of unprecedented global danger, concerted action is required, and every second counts.”