The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic representation to show that the entire mankind is closer to getting annihilated by a man-made global catastrophe. It was created by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) in 1947. And the Doomsday Clock’s 2019 setting was announced on January 24, and it denotes that we are very close to the possibility of the nuclear war. Every year, the annual representation of the clock is announced and now this clock is set at 11.58 pm, just two minutes before an apocalypse strikes at midnight. So you might just want to rearrange the priorities on your bucket list, as we are dangerously close to doom!

Time after time we keep reading of certain doomsday prophecies and theories that come up. With every trace of a major development that we do on this planet, we also inch a step closer to the loss of mankind. The nuclear arms race, rising global warming, rising waste and pollution, over increasing demands all of these combined don't put the end of the world, too far. But what is this Doomsday Clock all about. Let us know some more details about the concept. ‘Doomsday Clock 2 Minutes Away From Midnight’: Global Conflicts Apart, A Look At 15 Civil Wars Which Can End The World.

What is The Doomsday Clock?

The clock is a metaphorical representation that we are close to destruction by our own doing. The entire human race is at a potential threat due to very advanced scientific and technical advances. Nuclear war and climate change are the two biggest factors that put us close to destruction. The Bulletin's Science and Security Board monitors new developments in the fields of science and technology, which could cause irreparable damage.

When the clock was made in the year 1947, it was seven minutes away from midnight. It has been set back and forth since then and the smallest ever timing remains 2 minutes from the year 2018 and the largest was 17 minutes in the year 1991.

This clock is supposed to consider all the ups and downs that keep taking place in the international power struggle. Mankind is constantly at the risk of nuclear war and another such war can wipe out the entire race of the world. It will be a doomsday inflicted by the man himself.

Should We Be Worried?

Yes, we most definitely should be. The thought that there won't be any life left and the planet will see an end is definitely a scary one. According to the bulletin, "To halt the worst effects of climate change, the countries of the world must cut net worldwide carbon dioxide emissions to zero by well before the end of the century." Since the last two years, the carbon dioxide levels are climbing high and each one of us is responsible in some way for it. While the nuclear treaties are a decision of the individual nations, we as citizens need to be aware and take steps to at least counter the other major problem of global warming.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 25, 2019 12:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).