Scientists are on the verge of disclosing the status of the Doomsday Clock, symbolizing the point of humanity's potential self-destruction, with the current setting marking the closest-ever proximity to midnight—merely 90 seconds away from a possible apocalypse. Last year, a convergence of existential threats prompted the clock's shift from 100 to 90 seconds towards midnight. The forthcoming 2024 announcement, featuring science educator Bill Nye and other experts, will be broadcasted live on YouTube on January 23 at 10:00 am EST or 8:30 pm IST.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS), a non-profit organization, decides whether to advance, set back, or maintain the clock at 90 seconds. Influences on the clock's setting include climate change, the Ukraine war, and disruptive technologies, as observed in 2023.

Originally focused on nuclear warfare in 1947, the Doomsday Clock incorporated the threat of climate change in 2007. Amid global conflicts in the past two years, it currently stands at 90 seconds to midnight—the closest prediction to a man-made catastrophe in the Bulletin's history.

The previous year intensified concerns about the climate crisis, witnessing unprecedented levels of extreme weather worldwide. The 2023 State of the Climate Report acknowledged scientists' increasing responsibility to communicate the truth about crises straightforwardly, expressing shock at the ferocity of extreme weather events.
Additionally, the Ukraine - Russia war , Israel - Hamas war and disruptions in global shipping routes are among factors that could contribute to further adjustments of the Doomsday Clock towards midnight. The BAS announcement promises insights into the existential threats humanity faces, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these critical issues.