The “Doomsday Clock” has moved closer to midnight than ever before, signaling that humanity is nearly at self-annihilation. Scientists from around the world recently reset the clock to 89 seconds away from midnight, according to a statement by global leaders and the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS). This comes after three years without such an advance since its first update in 1950.
The clock now serves as a graphic warning about humanity’s proximity to global catastrophe. “We thus move the clock forward,” said Daniel Holz, chair of the science and security board at BAS. “This sends a clear message: The world is perilously close to disaster.”
For two years, the clock had been stationary at 90 seconds before midnight. However, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, increasing nuclear risks, climate change, and disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence driving closer to apocalypse, Holz said progress on existential threats has been minimal.
“Arms control treaties are failing,” Holz explained, citing tensions between nuclear powers and the U.S. government’s inadequate response to climate change. “Misinformation and conspiracy theories about climate change are eroding trust in science.”
Moreover, advancements in technologies like biotech and AI have outpaced regulatory frameworks, exacerbating the risk of disaster. Holz emphasized that this move was not an admission of failure but a stark reminder of dangers.
“What is certain,” he said, “is that we must accelerate global action to address existential threats before it’s too late.”
The clock’s next move could serve as a stark warning for years to come, with the world still teetering on the brink of self-annihilation due to climate change and nuclear risks.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/2025-doomsday-clock-close-annihilation-scientists/story?id=118149109