It's almost impossible to imagine a scenario where the world could be turned upside down in a matter of hours, but it is possible if countries start launching nukes at each other.
These scientists should really move their think tank meetings earlier in the week, or on the weekend so we could get this depressing news on a Monday. Really, on a Wednesday you're going to tell us this? The day before my vacation you're telling me we are one step closer to the end of the world...