The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic representation of how close humanity is to global catastrophe, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. It was created in 1947 to convey the urgency of nuclear threats and other global risks. The clock's time is adjusted based on various factors, including political tensions, climate change, and technological advancements. The closer the clock is to midnight, the closer the world is perceived to be to disaster. The current time is announced annually, reflecting the scientists' assessment of global security. The clock serves as a warning and a call to action for governments and the public.