By Vernon M. Herron
The world could be shaking in its boots, if it realizes that the symbolic doom day clock shows only five minutes remaining before midnight, signaling how close we may be to a global catastrophe.
Recently, Atomic Scientists issued a Bulletin informing the public about pending threats from nuclear weapons, climate change and enlarging technologies. The Bulletin was established the year I finished high school, 1947, by scientists and engineers who worked on the Manhattan Project, which created the atomic bomb. It has taken 64 years for the clock’s hand to move forward 55 minutes.
It is noted that “the world still has about 19,500 deployed nuclear power to destroy the world’s inhabitants several times over.” Countries that possess nuclear arms include USA, China, France, India, Pakistan, South Africa, United Kingdom and others.
Research shows that climate change is a factor to be handled responsibly. One major environmental concern is that human activity may be changing the global climate. Research also shows that the burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil and natural gas – to power motor vehicles, heat buildings, generate electric energy, and perform various industrial tasks, is increasing the amount of carbon dioxide, gas carbon and burning them produces carbon dioxide. This gas slows the escape of heat released by the earth into space. Thus, an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide may cause global warming– a rise in the temperature of the air next to the earth’s surface.
Global warming could change rainfall patterns, leading to shifts in plant and animal populations. It could also melt enough polar ice to raise the sea level and it could increase the frequency and severity of tropical storms.
It is noted that “the world still has about 19,500 deployed nuclear power to destroy the world’s inhabitants several times over.” Countries that possess nuclear arms include USA, China, France, India, Pakistan, South Africa, United Kingdom and others.
Research shows that climate change is a factor to be handled responsibly. One major environmental concern is that human activity may be changing the global climate. Research also shows that the burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil and natural gas – to power motor vehicles, heat buildings, generate electric energy, and perform various industrial tasks, is increasing the amount of carbon dioxide, gas carbon and burning them produces carbon dioxide. This gas slows the escape of heat released by the earth into space. Thus, an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide may cause global warming– a rise in the temperature of the air next to the earth’s surface.
Global warming could change rainfall patterns, leading to shifts in plant and animal populations. It could also melt enough polar ice to raise the sea level and it could increase the frequency and severity of tropical storms.
Five minutes before midnight stresses the approaching danger of annihilation, if there is no control on the maintenance of the nuclear race. One theory contends that inaction on key issues, including climate change and rising international tensions, motivates the movement of the clock.
Most experts believe that since the end of World War II, the threat of Nuclear War probably has helped keep the peace between the world’s major nations. However, all experts agree that extensive use of large nuclear weapons would cause heavy damage to many nations. Nations have long sought ways to control nuclear weapons and reduce the risk of nuclear war.
Thank God for Al Gore who says, “Unless global leaders throw their weight behind alternatives to carbon-emitting energy and technologies over the next five years, the world is doomed to a warmer climate, harsher weather, drought, famine, water scarcity, rising sea levels, loss of island nations and increasing ocean acidification.”
At that point, the “on the hour” tone will strike! After the last five minutes before midnight are consumed, which shall it be, doom day or what?
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