Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, November 9, 2023

CLIMATE CHANGE
New magazine issue: Climate change—Where are we now?

The latest issue of the Bulletin examines crucial aspects of the unfolding climate crisis—from the often-overlooked threat of extreme heat to ways that humanity can survive devastating wildfires. Read more.

NUCLEAR RISK
The congressional strategic posture report is not about nuclear deterrence, but warfighting

The fact that the US joined other nuclear countries in condemning nuclear war shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine makes it even more disappointing that a recent US Congressional report encourages an arms race and nuclear buildup, writes Tara Drozdenko of the Union of Concerned Scientists. Read more.

NUCLEAR RISK
Russian nuclear expert thinks the Doomsday Clock should move away from midnight

The war in Ukraine brought nuclear weapons back into global discussions and revealed that opposition to their use is universal, writes physicist Pavel Podvig.
“[This consititutes] a good case for moving the hands of the Clock back.” Read more.

DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Can’t quite develop that dangerous pathogen? AI may soon be able to help

AI tools are close to being able to reveal mistakes people make during a failed attempt to create dangerous pathogens. Bioengineer Allison Berke explains why the possibility of people misusing these systems must be investigated—now and in the future. Read more.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
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“We must not let the devastating floods, wildfires, storms, and heatwaves seen this year become the new normal.”

— Climate scientist and author of a 2015 Bulletin article Piers Forester, GIVE TODAY