Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, September 4, 2023

September 4, 2023

CLIMATE CHANGE
Betting against worst-case climate scenarios is risky business

Have scientists and policy makers given too much weight to probabilities, instead of plausible-worst possibilities? If so, it’s an appalling gamble with risk, says climate policy analyst David Spratt. “Humanity could end up the loser.” Read more.

DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Public health position available: Low pay. Promise of burnout and harassment.

Low pay and burnout make jobs in public health a bitter pill to swallow, says Bulletin editorial fellow Kimberly Ma. “With the risk of another pandemic real and rising, it’s time to draw attention to the disappearing public health worker.” Read more.

NUCLEAR RISK
Why the US fails to deter North Korea, despite nuclear superiority

North Korea’s arsenal of dozens of nuclear weapons is tiny compared to the US arsenal of thousands. So, why has the US proven unable to deter North Korea from testing? Bulletin editorial fellow Lauren Sukin explains. Read more.

DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Why AI for biological design should be regulated differently than chatbots

Large language model-based chatbots and bio-design tools influence the biosecurity landscape in vastly different ways, says biotechnology and AI expert Matthew E. Walsh. “Their governance, therefore, should be considered and developed independently.” ​​​​Read more.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
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“[W]e can see from the history of existential risk that when talented scientists work together with committed politicians and motivated activists, it is possible to do more than simply cross our fingers and hope for the best. We can weigh the dice in our favour; we can turn back the hands of the [Doomsday] Clock.”

— Bulletin president and CEO Rachel Bronson and existential risk researcher SJ Beard in the new book, The Era of Global Risk

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