The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists has just revealed the 2025 update for the Doomsday Clock, a symbol of how close humanity is to self-destruction.
In the latest update, the clock has been set at 89 seconds to midnight—just one second closer to the metaphorical end of the world.
This marks the closest the clock has ever been to midnight, signaling that we are dangerously near a global catastrophe.
The decision to move the clock forward comes as a result of multiple crises that continue to loom over humanity, from nuclear risks to climate change and the rapid development of disruptive technologies like AI.
Key Global Threats Pushing the Clock Closer to Midnight
The panel of experts responsible for the clock’s update, which includes Nobel Peace Prize laureate Juan Manuel Santos and University of Chicago physicist Daniel Holz, highlighted the ongoing global challenges.
The Russia-Ukraine war, increasing tensions in the Middle East, the threat of nuclear escalation, and advancing climate change were all cited as key reasons for the alarming decision.
“We set the clock closer to midnight because we do not see sufficient positive progress on the global challenges we face,” Holz stated.
Despite the numerous efforts made by governments and organizations worldwide, experts believe that the world is not making enough progress in addressing these crises, leading to increasingly negative outcomes.
Nuclear Risk: The War in Ukraine and Rising Tensions
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which resulted in Europe’s bloodiest conflict since WWII, has added a serious nuclear threat.
Russia’s recent actions, such as lowering the threshold for a nuclear strike in response to conventional attacks, have raised concerns about the possibility of a nuclear escalation.
President Putin’s updated nuclear doctrine sets the stage for potential nuclear warfare, whether through deliberate action or accidental miscalculation.
Meanwhile, global tensions continue to rise with nuclear-armed nations like China and North Korea intensifying military activity, further fueling fears of an all-out nuclear conflict.
The Climate Crisis: A Looming Existential Threat
In addition to the nuclear risks, the ongoing climate crisis continues to be a major concern.
According to the UN World Meteorological Organization, 2024 marked the hottest year on record, and the last decade has seen the 10 hottest years in history.
While there has been some progress in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, the pace of change is not fast enough to prevent the most catastrophic effects of climate change.
The worsening environment only adds to the mounting pressures facing humanity.
Disruptive Technologies: AI and Its Dangerous Potential
Another growing concern is the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI).
Advances in AI have raised alarms about its potential military applications and the impact it could have on global security.
While governments have attempted to regulate AI, there’s been little consistent effort to address its risks comprehensively.
The potential for AI to disrupt information ecosystems, cause widespread misinformation, and even be applied to nuclear weaponry has left experts worried about the future.
“We are already seeing AI showing up on the battlefield in troubling ways,” said Holz.
“The future possibilities are even more concerning, especially regarding its influence on nuclear warfare and global misinformation.”
The Doomsday Clock: A Symbol of Human Survival
The Doomsday Clock, which was created in 1947, serves as a symbolic representation of how close we are to a man-made global catastrophe.
It is updated every year by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, based on an assessment of the most pressing threats to humanity.
If the clock moves closer to midnight, it means the risks of global destruction are increasing.
Conversely, when the clock moves away from midnight, it signals progress toward mitigating these dangers.
Over the years, the clock has moved both forward and backward, but the trend has generally been moving closer to midnight.
The decision is made by a panel of experts, including scientists, security experts, and Nobel laureates.
This year’s update is a stark reminder that the world has yet to make the necessary strides to address the many crises threatening our future.
What’s Next for the Doomsday Clock?
The Doomsday Clock was last set at 90 seconds to midnight in 2023, and with the 2024 update, it has moved just one second closer.
This subtle shift reflects the ongoing global challenges that continue to escalate.
The clock’s position offers a grim reminder that the world is facing an existential crisis.
For the first time in history, humanity is closer than ever to the brink of self-destruction, and the future remains uncertain.
As experts continue to monitor the situation, the Doomsday Clock will remain a powerful symbol of the precarious state of our world and the need for urgent action.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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