The Doomsday Clock in 2025: Humanity Closer to Catastrophe Than Ever Before

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced that the Doomsday Clock has been set to 89 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been to global catastrophe since its creation in 1947. This symbolic timepiece, designed to warn humanity of existential threats, reflects the growing dangers posed by nuclear weapons, climate change, disruptive technologies, and geopolitical instability. The latest adjustment underscores the urgent need for global action to avert disaster.

What is the Doomsday Clock?

The Doomsday Clock was conceived in 1947 by scientists involved in the Manhattan Project, including Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer. Initially created to symbolize the threat of nuclear war, the clock has since expanded to include other existential risks such as climate change, pandemics, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Midnight on the clock represents global catastrophe, and the closer the hands move to midnight, the greater the perceived risk.

Over the decades, the clock has been adjusted 25 times, reflecting changes in global threats. The farthest it has ever been from midnight was 17 minutes in 1991, following the end of the Cold War and the signing of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. However, in recent years, the clock has inched closer to midnight, reaching 90 seconds in 2023 and 2024, and now 89 seconds in 2025.

Why the Clock Moved Forward in 2025

The decision to move the clock forward by one second was driven by several critical factors:

1. Nuclear Threats: The ongoing war in Ukraine, coupled with Russia's nuclear rhetoric and the proliferation of nuclear weapons, has heightened the risk of nuclear conflict. The Bulletin warned that the war could escalate to include nuclear weapons due to miscalculation or rash decisions.

2. Climate Change: Despite global efforts, the climate crisis continues to worsen. 2024 was the hottest year on record, with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity destabilizing societies worldwide. The lack of sufficient action by governments to reduce emissions and mitigate climate impacts has been a significant concern.

3. Disruptive Technologies: Advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space technology have outpaced regulation and ethical considerations. The potential misuse of AI in military applications and disinformation campaigns has added to global instability.

4. Geopolitical Instability: Conflicts in the Middle East, including the Israel-Hamas war and the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, as well as tensions between nuclear-armed nations like North Korea, China, and the United States, have further exacerbated global risks.

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5. Misinformation and Disinformation: The spread of false information has eroded trust in institutions and hindered effective communication, making it harder to address global challenges collectively.

A Call to Action

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists emphasized that the Doomsday Clock is not meant to inspire fear but to spur action. Daniel Holz, chair of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, stated, “Every second of delay in reversing course increases the probability of global disaster”.

To turn back the clock, the Bulletin called for:

• Strengthening international cooperation on nuclear disarmament.

• Accelerating efforts to combat climate change through policy and financing.

• Regulating emerging technologies to prevent misuse.

• Addressing misinformation and rebuilding trust in institutions.

Juan Manuel Santos, former president of Colombia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, echoed this sentiment, urging world leaders to act collectively: “Every second counts. Let us use each one wisely”.

Conclusion

The Doomsday Clock at 89 seconds to midnight is a stark reminder of the fragility of our world. While the challenges are immense, the power to change our trajectory lies in our hands. By addressing nuclear threats, climate change, and technological risks with urgency and cooperation, humanity can move the clock away from midnight and secure a safer future for generations to come. The time to act is now—before it’s too late