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31 January 2025

Doomsday Clock Edges Closer At 89 Seconds To Midnight

Bulletin of Atomic Scientists warns of unprecedented global threats and the need for urgent action.

The Doomsday Clock, symbolizing the looming threats to humanity, has ticked closer to midnight, now set at 89 seconds, according to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. This latest adjustment marks the closest humanity has ever been to catastrophe, signaling unprecedented global risks.

Founded 80 years ago by notable scientists including Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer, the Bulletin's Science and Security Board, which includes nine Nobel laureates, evaluates the state of global security annually. The clock was previously set to 90 seconds to midnight following the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has remained there until now, reflecting alarming global trends.

“Trends have deeply concerned the Science and Security Board continued, and… national leaders have failed to do what is needed to change course,” the Bulletin stated. The current geopolitical conflicts, particularly the prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine, pose nuclear threats as both nations possess large arsenals. Russia, with approximately 5,580 nuclear warheads, continues to present imminent risks. The bulletin noted, “The countries possessing nuclear weapons are increasing the size and role of their arsenals, investing hundreds of billions of dollars in weapons capable of destroying civilization.”

The Bulletin’s alarm extends beyond nuclear dangers. It highlights the impacts of climate change, which last year broke records for global surface temperatures and sea-level rise. “The long-term prognosis for the world’s attempts to deal with climate change remains poor,” the Bulletin reported, as governments worldwide struggle to enact the necessary financing and policy initiatives to combat this pressing issue.

The effects of climate change were starkly illustrated with recent events, such as the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, made 35% more likely due to climate change. The bulletin emphasized this by saying, “Extreme weather and other climate change-influenced events have affected every continent.”

With the world still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of new outbreaks looms large. “Emerging and re-emerging diseases continue to threaten the economy, society, and security of the world,” it stated. The appearance and continuation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and the spread of other pathogens raise concerns about future pandemics, compounded by insufficient oversight of existing biological laboratories.

Technological advancements pose additional existential threats. The Bulletin expressed concerns about the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within military systems. These technologies have already been deployed in military actions, evident in the conflicts occurring in Ukraine and the Middle East. This raises ethical questions, as states explore allowing machines to make life-and-death decisions, including the usage of nuclear weapons. “Such efforts raise questions about the extent to which machines will be allowed to make military decisions,” the Bulletin warned.

The global information ecosystem is also under siege from the spread of misinformation and disinformation. The Bulletin underscored how advancements in AI facilitate the quick propagation of false narratives, saying, “This corruption of the information ecosystem undermines the public discourse and honest debate upon which democracy depends.” This atmosphere not only distorts public opinion but has led to leaders who deem scientific knowledge less relevant and suppress free speech.

Ending its statement, the Bulletin made clear the stark choice humanity faces. “Blindly continuing on the current path is a form of madness,” it cautioned. The collective power held by the U.S., China, and Russia positions them as guardian states capable of steering the world away from devastation. It urges immediate and serious engagement among their leaders to address the outlined threats.

With the Doomsday Clock now set at 89 seconds to midnight, the time for action has never been more urgent. Will the global community heed this warning?