On January 28, 2025, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced the unsettling news: the Doomsday Clock has been reset to 89 seconds to midnight, marking the closest humanity has ever approached to total annihilation since the clock was first established. The announcement took place at the U.S. Institute of Peace, where scientists and global leaders gathered to deliver urgent warnings about existential threats facing the world.
Daniel Holz, the chair of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, explained the reasoning behind this grim adjustment. He stated, "The world has not made sufficient progress on existential risks threatening all of humanity. We set the clock closer to midnight because we do not see sufficient positive progress on the global challenges we face." The decision to move the clock one second closer emphasizes the urgency of action necessary to address the growing risk of nuclear conflict, climate change, biological threats, and the overwhelming power of disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence.
This year's advancement of the clock follows two years of stagnation at 90 seconds to midnight, primarily due to rising tensions from the war in Ukraine, fears of nuclear escalation, and inadequate global responses to climate change. The clock, first created after World War II, serves as a stark metaphor for the existential risks humanity faces as it navigates through increasingly turbulent geopolitical waters.
Reflecting on the current state of global affairs, Holtz remarked, "Every second of delay in reversing course increases the probability of global disaster." Among the many factors leading to this alarmingly close proximity to midnight are increasing nuclear threats, particularly related to Russia, which has continued to raise the stakes amid the Ukraine conflict. The nuclear risk adds layers of complexity to the already worrying situation.
Juan Manuel Santos, former president of Colombia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, also voiced his concerns during the press conference. He stated, "This is a bleak picture but it is not yet irreversible." His words point to the glimmer of hope embedded within the alarm — through unified global action, there is still time to change the course. A commitment to addressing the most pressing issues at hand can still yield positive outcomes.
The Doomsday Clock was officially created by scientists involved with the Manhattan Project, with artist Martyl Langsdorf designing the clock to visualize how close humanity was to self-destruction. Initially set at seven minutes to midnight, the clock has advanced and retreated multiple times over the years. The concepts of humanitarian risks have expanded significantly since its inception, incorporating climate change as one of the major concerns since 2007.
Wood environments, according to Holz, are currently being challenged by extreme climate events, with the added pressure from rising greenhouse gas emissions. The global response has been criticized for its inadequacy: "Despite impressive growth in renewable energy sources, the world still lacks the necessary actions to prevent the worst aspects of climate change." This remaining shortfall indicates there is still room for substantial improvement.
Further compounding these threats is the accelerating capability and adoption of artificial intelligence, which has sparked substantive debate among experts. Concerns are not limited to military applications; they also extend to the digital information environment plagued by widespread misinformation and disinformation. Holtz underscored this point, explaining, "All of these dangers are greatly exacerbated by a potent threat multiplier — the spread of misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories." This chaotic atmosphere hinders effective communication and decision-making needed to confront these existential threats.
Beyond nuclear capabilities and technological advancements, there lie biological threats. The lessons learned from the global COVID-19 outbreak have only heightened awareness about the vulnerability of societies to infectious diseases. Santos's remarks underline the importance of international partnerships to mitigate these threats effectively.
Despite the grim portrayal of the current state of affairs, Holz expressed cautious optimism, stating, "We can only succeed if we act as one." The Doomsday Clock's reset serves as both a warning and rallying cry. Collective global engagement remains pivotal to turning the hands of the clock back as humanity strives to avert impending catastrophe.
Moving forward, experts are calling for immediate dialogue among world leaders to address the alarming risks posed by nuclear conflict, climate change, and the manipulation of technology. The Doomsday Clock stands as both stark reminder and motivational tool directing society to reflect on its past choices and envision actions needed for a safer, sustainable future.
Whether it is through political negotiations, community dialogues, or individual actions, every second counts. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists continues to highlight the delicate balance humanity must maintain to prevent reaching the point of no return. Time is of the essence, and the future of our planet hangs precariously on the decisions made today.