Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, June 8, 2023

June 8, 2023

DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Once ‘defanged,’ H5N1 bird flu is gaining teeth again

A highly pathogenic bird flu that has been spreading around the world since 2020 could eventually adapt to spread easily among humans, reports a senior science fellow with the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. Read more.

CLIMATE CHANGE
Warming oceans and disappearing sea ice alarm scientists

Since 1971, the Earth has absorbed the heat equivalent of over 6 billion atomic explosions of the size that decimated Hiroshima in 1945, reports Bulletin editor Jessica McKenzie. Read more.

NUCLEAR RISK

The damage of a critical dam in Ukraine may spark a “slow-motion disaster” at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, reports Bulletin editor François Diaz-Maurin. ​Read more.

NUCLEAR RISK
An inside look at North Korea’s Nuclear program

Siegfried S. Hecker has served as the director of the lab that built the world’s first atomic bombs, traveled to North Korea to discuss the country’s nuclear weapons program, and currently serves as the chair of the Bulletin’s Board of Sponsors. His unique and informed perspective on North Korea’s nuclear program is shared in his book Hinge Points: An Inside Look at North Korea’s Nuclear Program. Read more.

IN THE NEWS

In this Columbia Journalism Review interview, Bulletin editor-in-chief John Mecklin shares his thoughts on a recent statement issued by tech industry leaders and researchers warning of the “risk of extinction from AI.” ​​​​​Read more.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
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“Today, as we face new threats, and as we face those cracks in our post-Cold War nuclear foundation, I not only believe that we can find this hope again, I believe that we must.”

— White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, “Fearing 3-way arms race, U.S. seeks nuclear talks with Russia and China”, TIME

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