Symbolic Doomsday Clock has been reset to 89 seconds to midnight, marking the closest humanity has ever been to potential annihilation, according to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. The announcement, made on Tuesday, underscores escalating dangers posed by nuclear threats, climate change, artificial intelligence, and the spread of disinformation.
A Grim Assessment of Global Risks
Since its inception in 1947, the Doomsday Clock has served as a barometer of existential threats facing humanity. Initially focused on nuclear war, Bulletin expanded its scope in 2007 to include climate change and emerging technologies. For the past two years, the clock had been set at 90 seconds to midnight, but the worsening global landscape has pushed it even closer in 2025.
“We set the clock closer to midnight because we do not see sufficient, positive progress on global challenges we face,” said Daniel Holz, chair of Bulletin’s Science and Security Board and professor at the University of Chicago. “Countries possessing nuclear weapons are expanding ir arsenals, climate disasters are worsening, and artificial intelligence poses new, poorly understood risks.”
Mounting Global Threats
Bulletin cited several key factors in its decision to move the clock forward:
- Nuclear Proliferation: With rising geopolitical tensions, particularly between nuclear-armed nations, the risk of conflict remains high. Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, combined with growing tensions in the Middle East and South Asia, has heightened fears of nuclear escalation.
- Climate Crisis: Record-breaking global temperatures, extreme weather events, and insufficient policy responses have reinforced concerns that the world is failing to combat climate change effectively.
- Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies: The rapid development of AI, biotechnology, and space exploration has outpaced regulatory oversight, creating risks that experts warn could have unintended and dangerous consequences.
- Disinformation and Global Instability: the spread of misinformation has fueled political unrest, undermined trust in scientific institutions, and complicated efforts to address global crises.
A Call for Immediate Action
Despite a bleak outlook, Bulletin emphasized that humanity still has the power to reverse course. Rachel Bronson, president and CEO of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, called for immediate global cooperation to address the mounting dangers.
“Clock is a warning, not a prediction. We have tools to move hands back, but it requires urgent action from world leaders and individuals alike,” Bronson stated.
Historically, major diplomatic efforts have successfully pushed the clock back. In 1991, following the signing of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union, the clock was set at 17 minutes to midnight— far from the global catastrophe it has ever been.
What Can Be Done?
Experts stress that addressing these crises requires coordinated international efforts. Steps to mitigate risks include:
- Renewing arms control treaties and diplomatic engagement to prevent nuclear escalation.
- Strengthening global climate policies and reducing carbon emissions.
- Implementing strict regulations on AI and or emerging technologies.
- Combating misinformation through education and responsible media practices.
Bronson urged individuals to take action in their daily lives, from reducing carbon footprints to advocating for responsible policies. “Public engagement plays a crucial role in pushing leaders to act,” she emphasized.
Uncertain Future, But Hope Remains
While the clock’s movement signals dire warnings, experts maintain that catastrophe is not inevitable. Bulletin continues to stress that proactive measures can still steer humanity away from the brink.
“the fact that we set clock means we believe it is not too late,” Holz said. “But time is running out.”
