Scientists Move Doomsday Clock Closer to Midnight

Scientists representing the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BPA) have moved the minute hand of their doomsday clock from three minutes to midnight to two and a half.  The decision to move the minute hand thirty seconds ahead, and the second closest it's ever been to midnight, was released in a recent report.

 "Disturbing comments about the use and proliferation of nuclear weapons made by Donald Trump, as well as the expressed disbelief in the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change by both Trump and several of his cabinet appointees, affected the Board's decision, as did the emergence of strident nationalism worldwide," said the organization in their report.

Other influences sited were uncertainty over the future of Iran's nuclear deal, threats to cyber security, and the rise of fake news.  However, the minute hand was moved only thirty seconds, as opposed to the usual full minute, due to the fact that President Trump has only recently taken office, and many of his cabinet members have not yet been installed.

Source: BBC