9 November to 16 November
Remembering the past, living the present, thinking of the future.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is a time reserved to reflect on lives lost and the sacrifices made during violent conflict. Red poppies are worn at this time in recognition of the suffering of the past. The Peace Pledge Union believes we should also think of the future. It produces white poppies to remind us of all those who will suffer in future conflicts if we do not relinquish war.
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The Doomsday Clock was devised by US Scientists fearful of a nuclear war, as an analogue of how close humanity is to catastrophic destruction (indicated by midnight). It came closest (2 minutes to) in 1953, following the first US test of a hydrogen bomb. In 1984, after President Reagan's 'Star Wars' speech, when he referred to the Soviet Union as the 'evil empire', it reached 3 minutes to midnight. It then moved slowly anti-clockwise until, at the end of the Cold War, it read 17 minutes to midnight. Since then it has moved steadily forward again. In 2007, when the threat of climate change was included it stood at five to midnight. How close are we prepared to go before we change our behaviour?
Dave Webb, Professor of Engineering, Praxis Centre and School of Applied Global Ethics.
This is one of a series of reflections on the theme of remembrance on the Leeds Met site this week.
For advice about writing ethical reflections click here