Some computer programs, especially the older ones, might fail when the date changes to 2000. Because the programs were written to recognize only the last two digits of a year, such programs could read the digits 00 as 1900, potentially causing a whole range of problems affecting financial transactions, airline schedules and electrical grids. Other countries, particularly Russia, with antiquated computers running nuclear reactors and missile systems, are even more vulnerable to Y2K breakdowns. June 26, 1999.

Helen Caldicott
Helen Caldicott, an Australian-born pediatrician, is a world-renowned environmental activist. She was the founding president of Physicians for Social Responsibility, an organization which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. She is the author of Nuclear Madness, Missile Envy and If You Love This Planet.