Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, December 1, 2025
Posted: 1st December 2025
December 1, 2025
On November 29, 1995, after much deliberation, the IPCC came to a historic conclusion: “The balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate.” (Illustration by Erik English via Adobe)
A climate scientist reflects on 30 years fighting the ‘forces of unreason’
Thirty years ago, the IPCC agreed on a historic finding: “The balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate.” Benjamin Santer looks at what has happened since. Read more.
Tracing engineered biothreats with AI forensics: Five steps to improve attribution
In the past, investigators have struggled to determine the origin of biothreats despite extensive efforts. Oliver M. Crook, Anemone Franz, and Aaron Maiwald lay out possible solutions. Read more.
The illusion of deterrence: Why India isn’t buying Pakistan’s nuclear threats
Siddhant Kishore argues that Pakistan’s nuclear threats against India lack credibility and are mainly intended to trigger US intervention. The danger is that India is becoming increasingly willing to call Pakistan’s nuclear bluff. Read more.
“Let Them Eat Beef Tallow!” MAHA’s Answer to expiring health insurance subsidies
Earlier this fall, as Congress grappled with an end to insurance subsidies that make health care more affordable for millions of Americans, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was focused on another of his often head scratching battles. Matt Motta writes about Kennedy’s focus on promoting beef tallow, promising to end the “War on Saturated Fat,” and other priorities outside of health insurance policy. Read more.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“An abundance of scientific evidence shows that going back to the previous standard would fail to provide the level of protection for public health required under the Clean Air Act.”
—Hayden Hashimoto, an attorney at the non-profit Clean Air Task Force, “Trump’s EPA moves to abandon tough standards for deadly soot pollution,” The Guardian
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