Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs Season 4, Episode 6: Jon Wolfsthal; Federation of American Scientists, Doomsday Clock
Feb 18, 2025
Join Jon Wolfsthal, Director of Global Risk at the Federation of American Scientists, as he sheds light on the Doomsday Clock, now perilously close to midnight. They discuss urgent threats like nuclear war, climate change, and AI-driven crises. Wolfsthal reveals how decisions are made to set the clock and what it means for humanity's future. The conversation navigates the dual-use dilemma of biotechnology and highlights actionable solutions to avert catastrophe. Tune in for a critical exploration of global security and our role in ensuring a safer tomorrow.
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Doomsday Clock Origins and Evolution
- The Doomsday Clock serves as a metaphorical warning about existential risks, created by atomic scientists in 1947.
- It evolved from focusing solely on nuclear war to include climate change and disruptive technologies.
Kennedy's Historic Peace Speech
- Kennedy's 1963 peace speech humanized the Cold War adversaries, helping de-escalate nuclear tensions.
- Khrushchev praised it highly, showing the power of empathy and rational dialogue in conflict resolution.
Closest Standing of the Clock
- The Doomsday Clock now stands at 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been.
- This reflects growing threats from nuclear war, climate change, and emerging technologies like AI and biological risks.