Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 20th February 2023
Posted: 20th February 2023
Feb. 20, 2023
A Russian ranger monitors a polar bear during a collaborative research effort on Russia’s Wrangel Island in 2019. Image courtesy of Wrangel Island State Nature Reserve.
CLIMATE CHANGE
The Ukraine war is affecting vital Arctic researchPutin’s war in Ukraine has put almost every international effort with Russia in the Arctic on hold, writes author and photographer Ed Struzik. “Even if the Arctic Council did find a way to reconcile with Russia … it’s hard to imagine the research community returning to pre-war normal.” Read more.
NUCLEAR RISK
Interview: Siegfried Hecker on 20 years of missed chances to deal with North Korea’s nuclear programIn this interview with Bulletin editor-in-chief John Mecklin, former Los Alamos National Laboratory director Siegfried Hecker explains how three US presidential administrations failed to take advantage of North Korea’s apparent willingness to accept a new relationship with the US. Read more.
NUCLEAR RISK
Keeping humans in the loop is not enough to make AI safe for nuclear weaponsHumans involvement isn’t enough to make AI systems safe, says technology researcher Peter Rautenbach. “In fact, relying on this safeguard could result in a hidden increase of risk.” Read more.
Remind everyone what time it is on the Doomsday Clock with $15 Bulletin tees
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IN THE NEWS
14-behind-the-doomsday-clock/4hp2k/741039532?h=GJTXKDLopfmE7uaDI4-z2gdV3jVmGtcTvb5C130jO5g”>Read more.NUCLEAR RISK
Infographic: Is global war on the horizon?Data journalist Martin Armstrong’s latest infographic in Statista draws on inspiration from the Doomsday Clock and the opinion of over 4,000 risk experts to reflect the likelihood of global war. Read more.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“It seems to me that emotional competence is the skill we need to turn the Doomsday Clock away from midnight, so that we can evaluate our own vulnerability correctly and act appropriately … “
— Patrick De Vleeschauwer, psychologist, “An Emotional Storm Rises,”Psychology Today
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