What is the Doomsday Clock?
The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic representation of how close humanity is to global catastrophe, primarily due to nuclear threats, climate change, and emerging technological dangers. Established in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS), the clock serves as a warning to world leaders and the general public. Each year, the BAS adjusts the clock based on global events, assessing risks that could lead to widespread devastation.
The 2025 Doomsday Clock Announcement
In a historic decision, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ Doomsday Clock announcement for 2025 has advanced the clock to 89 seconds before midnight—the closest it has ever been. This one-second adjustment signifies increasing global instability, driven by several major factors, including nuclear tensions, climate change, and the dangers posed by artificial intelligence.
Daniel Holz, the chair of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, called the move “a warning to all world leaders”, stressing the urgency of addressing these escalating threats. Compared to its original setting of seven minutes before midnight in 1947, the clock’s movement reflects the growing risks humanity faces today.
The Biggest Threats in 2025
The decision to move the clock closer to midnight was based on multiple threats, including:
Nuclear Dangers and Geopolitical Conflicts
The BAS warned that the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East pose the risk of nuclear escalation, either through deliberate action, accident, or miscalculation. With nuclear-armed nations like the United States, Russia, and China holding immense destructive power, the risk of a global nuclear conflict remains dangerously high.
Climate Change Crisis
Despite international efforts to mitigate climate change, the BAS stated that “most governments are failing to implement the necessary measures to halt global warming.” Rising temperatures, natural disasters, and failure to curb greenhouse gas emissions remain critical concerns. The long-term outlook for combating climate change appears bleak, increasing the likelihood of environmental disasters.
The Rising Threat of Artificial Intelligence and Misinformation
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have introduced new threats, particularly in military applications. The report noted that several nations have incorporated AI-driven targeting systems into modern warfare, with AI-controlled weapons reportedly used in the Middle East and Ukraine. Additionally, the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories continues to blur the line between fact and fiction, making it harder to address these pressing issues.
Biological and Technological Risks
The BAS also warned that emerging and re-emerging diseases remain a threat to global stability. The world is still dealing with the economic and social impacts of pandemics, and the rise of new biological threats could further destabilize societies. Additionally, other disruptive technologies are advancing at a pace that makes global security more uncertain.
The Role of Global Superpowers
The Doomsday Clock announcement emphasized that nations like the United States, Russia, and China hold the collective power to either destroy civilization or pull the world back from the brink. The BAS urged global leaders to take immediate and decisive action to address nuclear risks, climate change, and AI security threats.
Conclusion : A Call to Action
With the Doomsday Clock now 89 seconds before midnight, the warning is louder than ever: the world is on the edge of catastrophe. Whether through diplomacy, technological regulation, or climate policies, leaders must act swiftly to reverse the course of destruction. The Doomsday Clock serves as a powerful reminder that every second counts in the fight for a safer future.
This is also wonderful.