Is the world on the brink? Doomsday Clock reaches its most dangerous setting yet

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The has set the to 89 seconds before midnight, its closest point to a symbolic global catastrophe in the clock’s 78-year history. Announced on January 28, 2025, this unprecedented adjustment reflects a growing sense of urgency as the world faces nuclear tensions, climate change risks, and technological instability.

This move is not just a symbolic gesture—it is a warning. The clock’s hands represent humanity’s proximity to potential self-destruction, and with the latest update, scientists are underscoring that immediate action is essential to avert disaster.

What is the Doomsday Clock and Why Does It Matter?

The Doomsday Clock was created in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a group that included Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer. It serves as a visual metaphor for the likelihood of man-made global catastrophe. Midnight represents the onset of disaster, while the time leading up to it reflects humanity’s collective risks.

Initially focused on the threat of nuclear weapons following World War II, the Doomsday Clock has since evolved to encompass additional existential threats, including climate change risks, emerging technologies, and global political instability. Its movements are determined annually by a panel of scientists, including Nobel laureates, who assess the world’s security landscape.

Why Has the Clock Moved Closer to Midnight in 2025?

This year’s historic setting at 89 seconds reflects a convergence of critical global threats. Experts highlighted three main drivers behind the clock’s advancement:

1. Nuclear Tensions Reach Critical Levels

Geopolitical conflicts, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine, have significantly increased nuclear risks. Tensions between global superpowers have escalated, with concerns over the potential use of nuclear weapons growing louder. The breakdown of nuclear arms control agreements, coupled with threats of proliferation in countries like North Korea and , has added to the instability.

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One expert noted that the war in has “reshaped global nuclear policies,” creating an environment where the risk of escalation is higher than ever before.

2. Climate Change Risks Accelerate

The world has witnessed a series of climate-related disasters in the past year, from unprecedented wildfires and heatwaves to rising sea levels and destructive storms. These events are clear indicators of the planet’s deteriorating health, worsened by the lack of coordinated global action.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that the window to address climate change is closing rapidly. Without comprehensive efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy, the long-term consequences could be catastrophic.

3. Emerging Technologies Pose Dual-Use Risks

The rapid development of artificial intelligence and biotechnology has created new ethical and security challenges. While these technologies have immense potential for societal benefits, their misuse could lead to unintended consequences, from destabilizing cyberattacks to bioweapon proliferation.

A member of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board commented that while innovation is essential, unchecked technological progress without appropriate safeguards increases the likelihood of significant harm.

What Are the Implications of This New Setting?

The decision to move the Doomsday Clock closer to midnight is not just an academic exercise—it is a call to action. It signals to global leaders, policymakers, and the public that the world is on a dangerous trajectory that demands immediate and coordinated intervention.

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Diplomatic efforts to reduce nuclear tensions, enforce robust climate policies, and regulate emerging technologies are seen as critical steps in reversing the clock’s ominous advance. However, experts emphasize that these solutions require international cooperation and commitment.

What Can Be Done to Reverse the Clock?

Scientists from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists have issued a clear message: humanity’s future is not predetermined, but reversing the hands of the clock will require urgent action.

Efforts to address nuclear tensions must include renewed arms control agreements and confidence-building measures among global superpowers. Similarly, addressing climate change risks requires swift transitions to renewable energy, investments in sustainable infrastructure, and adherence to international climate accords.

Regulating emerging technologies also demands attention. Governments and industries must work together to establish ethical guidelines and safeguards that prevent misuse while encouraging responsible innovation.

What Experts Are Saying About the Clock’s Latest Move

Scientists and leaders have expressed grave concerns about the symbolism of the 2025 adjustment. A senior member of the Bulletin remarked that the clock is not simply a prediction of doom but a reflection of humanity’s failure to address solvable problems. They stressed the importance of public engagement and political will to tackle these challenges head-on.

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International voices, including Nobel Peace Prize laureates, have echoed these sentiments, calling for increased dialogue and collaboration among nations. One expert stated that “the world’s most powerful countries hold the responsibility to lead the way in pulling humanity back from the brink.”

How Does This Compare to Previous Clock Movements?

The Doomsday Clock has been reset 26 times since its debut. The farthest it has ever been from midnight was in 1991, when the Cold War ended, and global tensions eased, leaving the clock set at 17 minutes to midnight.

Since then, the hands have moved steadily closer to disaster. The current setting of 89 seconds to midnight is a stark contrast, highlighting the unprecedented nature of today’s global threats.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

The latest adjustment to the Doomsday Clock is a powerful reminder that humanity’s most pressing challenges are interconnected. Addressing nuclear tensions, climate change risks, and technological instability requires global cooperation, innovative solutions, and a commitment to a safer future.

As the clock continues to tick, the world is faced with a choice: ignore the warnings or take meaningful steps to secure a more stable and sustainable future.


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