Scientists announce humanity remains close to “self-annihilation” due to inaction on climate emergency

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists today announced, on their 75^th anniversary, that the Doomsday Clock remains at 100 seconds to midnight – which provides an indication to the world of how close global society is to catastrophe. The Doomsday Clock takes into account disinformation, global security threats, lack of actional climate policies, disruptive technology, and the insufficient worldwide response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rachel Bronson, PhD, president and CEO, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, said: “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.”

Sarah Mukherjee MBE, Chief Executive Officer of IEMA – the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, said:

“Today’s announcement from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is an artistic illustration of the state of humanity, but human induced climate change is very real and the most significant threat to civilisation as we know it.

“Our organisation IEMA, represents over 18,000 professionals working in environment and sustainability roles and they have been warning us about a climate disaster for years. We need net zero transition plans for the whole economy, underpinned by green skills to turn back the Doomsday Clock. COP26 reminded us that we don’t have much time left to make the right changes.”

During the announcement, the scientists said that countries should accelerate their decarbonization programmes, matching policies to commitments and that more investment should be directed towards climate-friendly projects.

Tom Pashby

Digital Journalist, IEMA

Tom Pashby is a Digital Journalist at IEMA, Tom previously worked in the corporate communications team at EIT Climate-KIC, in the parliamentary office of Caroline Lucas MP, for a think tank called Policy Connect, and for the wind energy industry group RenewableUK. They also set up an All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Role of the House of Lords, and an LGBTQIA+ campaign called Include Mx.