The Doomsday Clock, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, has been moved to 89 seconds to midnight for 2025, marking the closest humanity has ever been to metaphorical global catastrophe. The clock’s movement reflects escalating threats, including nuclear proliferation, climate change, and advancements in artificial intelligence and biotechnology that lack proper regulation or oversight.
Daniel Holz, chair of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, explained that increasing nuclear arsenals, active conflicts involving nuclear powers, and the collapse of arms control treaties have heightened global risks. Additionally, 2024 was recorded as the hottest year in history, signaling the world’s insufficient response to the climate crisis.
Originally set at seven minutes to midnight in 1947, the clock has been adjusted 25 times—moving forward 17 times and back eight—based on global events and challenges. The 89-second mark underscores the urgency of addressing these existential threats to prevent irreversible consequences.
The Doomsday Clock serves as a warning and a call to action for governments and individuals to confront these perils head-on. It emphasizes the need for collaboration, innovation, and immediate policy changes to ensure a sustainable future.
