On January 28, 2025, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the hands of its iconic Doomsday Clock to 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been, citing insufficient global action on nuclear threats, climate change, and the potential misuse of technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Setting the clock forward by one second from its last position of 90 seconds, the Bulletin's decision serves as "a warning to all world leaders" about the accelerating risks humanity faces. This tick closer to midnight is seen as dramatic symbolism, signifying extreme danger and the urgent need for global cooperation to avert catastrophe. Daniel Holz, chair of the Bulletin's Science and Security Board, stated, "A move of even a single second should be taken as an indication of extreme danger and an unmistakable warning. Every second of delay in reversing course increases the probability of global disaster."
The Doomsday Clock, established after World War II amid rising tensions during the Cold War, was initially set at seven minutes to midnight. Over the decades, it has fluctuated based on the perceived existential threats to humanity, ranging from nuclear arsenal developments to climate change impacts. It hasn't moved backward since 2010, reflecting the long-standing and increasing concerns over global security.
At the announcement event held in Washington, former Colombian President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Juan Manuel Santos emphasized the bleak state of affairs. "The only effective response is for nations to work together," he remarked, linking the urgency of the Clock's position to recent catastrophic climate events and conflicts threatening to escalate globally.
The Bulletin highlighted several specific threats prompting the clock's advancement, including the continuing war in Ukraine, which has now entered its third year. The persistent risk of nuclear escalation due to military miscalculations or rash decisions looms over geopolitical landscapes. According to the Bulletin, "The conflict could become nuclear at any moment because of rash decision or through accident or miscalculation." Similarly, tensions surrounding Israel and Gaza coupled with nuclear-armed nations’ actions, including China’s military pressure on Taiwan and North Korea’s missile tests, contribute to the precariousness of global security.
Climate change also remains at the forefront of the dangers assessed by the Bulletin, as the prognosis continues to be dire. The group notes, "Most governments fail to enact the financing and policy initiatives necessary to halt global warming," which exacerbates weather-related disasters. 2024 was recorded as the hottest year ever, heralding severe environmental impacts worldwide.
Artificial intelligence emerged as another pressing concern for the scientists overseeing the Doomsday Clock. Misuses of AI, particularly its integration within military frameworks, have raised alarms. The statement from the Bulletin indicated, "Advances in AI are beginning to show up on the battlefield; the potential applications for nuclear weaponry remain especially worrisome as well." The interplay of AI technologies with disinformation campaigns complicates the global communication ecosystem, creating additional dangers.
Reflecting on the historical backdrop, it's important to note the Bulletin was established by scientists from the Manhattan Project, including J. Robert Oppenheimer and Albert Einstein. Their mission has evolved from strictly addressing nuclear threats to encompassing broader risks posed by human behaviors and technological advancements. The clock symbolizes the combined responsibility of nuclear powers—the U.S., China, and Russia—who hold the capacity to either stabilize or destabilize global security frameworks.
Holz remarked, "The United States, China, and Russia have the collective power to destroy civilization, and they have the prime responsibility to pull the world back from the brink." This urgent call to action reflects the necessity for goodwill and earnest dialogue among world leaders to confront and manage the multifaceted threats underscored by the Clock’s new position.
Both Holz and Santos echoed the sentiment of potential for change, indicating, "This is a bleak picture but it is not yet irreversible." Nevertheless, the stark signal sent by moving the clock to such a precarious position accentuates the necessity for immediate and collaborative efforts from global leaders.
The factors considered most alarming by the Bulletin are not new, but the lack of adequate response and progression toward solutions has prompted its current placement to reflect increasing seriousness. With citizens across the globe more aware and concerned about these threats, the hope is for constructive pressure on political leaders to engage directly with these urgent problems.
Now more than ever, as the hands of the clock tick ominously close to midnight, humanity faces the challenge not just of recognizing these threats but of mobilizing united efforts to address them. The survival of global civilization hinges on the actions taken—or not taken—within this time frame, and the impetus rests with today's leaders to steer collective humanity away from the brink.