ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

doomsday clock

The Doomsday Clock is a symbol to help remind people about how close we are to potential catastrophe. It is a visual representation of how close the world is to the possibility of a major disaster, such as a nuclear war, climate change or global pandemic. The clock is set at various times throughout the year and the closer it is to 12 o'clock, the closer we are to a potential global disaster. When the clock hands are at 12 o'clock, it means the world is in an extreme danger level. The Doomsday Clock itself is not real, it's just a symbol to help people understand the dangers we face on the planet today.