The Doomsday Clock has been set closer to midnight than ever before, with scientists warning humanity is now just 89 seconds away from annihilation. This alarming announcement was made by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists on January 29, 2025, marking the closest the symbolic clock has ever come to its catastrophic endpoint.
The Doomsday Clock, which symbolizes the proximity of humanity to global cataclysm, has ticked closer due to numerous factors. According to Daniel Holz, chair of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, the level of risk posed by nuclear threats, persistent climate change, and advances in disruptive technologies—like artificial intelligence (AI)—are contributing to the measured urgency. “Setting the Doomsday Clock at 89 seconds to midnight is a warning to all world leaders,” Holz emphasized.
Former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos, who participated in the announcement, stated, “The Doomsday Clock stands closer to catastrophe than at any moment in its history.” This stark warning speaks to the existential threats facing humanity and the necessity for unified and bold leadership to reverse its ominous hands.
The last recorded setting of the clock was at 90 seconds to midnight, which was first put forth following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Much like the previous year, the current assessment indicates insufficient global action to address these dire issues. While the world has made strides toward renewable energy, experts stress these efforts are still not enough to avert the devastating consequences of climate change.
The Bulletin, formed by scientists from the Manhattan Project—including figures like Albert Einstein—first established the Doomsday Clock after World War II to assess the threats of nuclear devastation. Initially set at 7 minutes to midnight, the clock's setting has changed numerous times over the decades, reflecting the shifting tensions of the time. The furthest away from midnight it has ever been was 17 minutes, after the Cold War's conclusion, when nuclear tensions subsided. Yet, since the turn of the millennium, the clock has been steadily moving forward.
This year, Holz pointedly referenced the perilous war situation between Ukraine and Russia, which has continued to raise nuclear fears. He noted, “The war in Ukraine continues to loom as a large source of nuclear risk. That conflict could escalate to include nuclear weapons at any moment due to rash decisions or accidents.” With the increasing military tensions and the potential for miscalculation, this conflict looms larger than life on the global stage.
Further compounding these risks is the acceleration of harmful technologies. Advances in AI and biotechnology have raced far beyond current regulations and policies, creating disastrous potential for misuse. Holz remarked, “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 many times over.”
The research conducted by the Bulletin is more than just theoretical; it prompts real-world concerns. Misinformation and disinformation plague meaningful conversations about these complex issues, contributing to the increasingly blurred lines surrounding discernible threats. Holz articulated this as he stated, “All of these dangers are greatly exacerbated by the spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and the degradation of the communication ecosystem.”
While the Doomsday Clock serves as symbol and warning, it also invites public engagement on these pivotal issues. Rachel Bronson, the Bulletin's president and CEO, articulates the necessity for individuals to engage with these topics, noting, “Public engagement moves leaders to take action.” Highlighting the potential for change, she states, “Moving the clock back with bold, concrete actions is still possible.”
Therefore, individuals are encouraged to reflect on daily habits, exploring small changes to mitigate climate impacts—for example, by choosing to walk instead of drive or by adopting sustainable eating practices. Collective personal actions might seem insignificant, but they can spark larger changes if public dialogue continues.
The clock serves as, not merely a static indicator of crisis, but as part of a collective dialogue about the very real risks we face as humanity evolves. It clutches at the heart of pressing issues, demanding accountability from leaders and individuals alike. The Resetting of the Doomsday Clock embodies not just fear, but the urgent call to action required to secure our future as stewards of the planet. Without substantive change, the clock can only inch closer to its midnight hour, urging individuals and nations to act decisively.