What's the Point of a Doomsday Clock?

Imagine a giant clock that counts down to the end of the world. That's what the Doomsday Clock is, like a warning sign for our planet. It helps scientists and leaders know if we're getting closer or farther from a big disaster, like nuclear war or climate change. The clock ticks forward when things get worse and moves backward when they get better.

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Examples

A child sees the Doomsday Clock and thinks it’s a game showing how close we are to the end of the world.
The clock moves closer to midnight when scientists argue about new nuclear weapons being built.
When countries sign peace treaties, the clock ticks back, like getting a little closer to safety.

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Categories: Politics · Doomsday Clock,Science and Politics,Global Threats