"Doomsday Clock" Reflects Grave Threat To World

(AP) - Scientists behind a "Doomsday Clock" that measures the likelihood of a global cataclysm say the world is still under grave threat.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced Tuesday that the minute hand on the metaphorical clock remained at three minutes-to-midnight. The clock reflects how vulnerable the world is to catastrophe from nuclear weapons, climate change and new technologies, with midnight symbolizing apocalypse.

Lawrence Krauss, chair of the bulletin's Board of Sponsors, said the Iran nuclear agreement and Paris climate accord were good news. But he said tensions between Russia and the U.S. have grown, and it is not clear the Paris accord will lead to concrete action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The scientists behind the bulletin adjusted the clock from five minutes-to-midnight to three minutes-to-midnight last year, the closest to midnight it has been since 1983.