The Doomsday Clock, a metaphor for human extinction, has been set at 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been. This move by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists reflects insufficient global progress on existential threats like nuclear risk, climate change, and disruptive technologies. The clock’s hands have moved forward from 90 seconds in January 2024, signaling extreme danger and an urgent need for action to avert global disaster.
The Doomsday Clock, a symbol of the world’s proximity to human extinction, has been ticking closer to midnight than ever before. On January 28, 2025, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists announced that the clock is now at 89 seconds to midnight, a stark warning about the global challenges we face.
The Doomsday Clock was first introduced in 1947 by scientists who worked on the Manhattan Project. Initially set at seven minutes to midnight, it has moved 25 times since then, reflecting the world’s progress (or lack thereof) in addressing threats to human civilization. The clock’s hands have moved closer to midnight during periods of heightened nuclear risk and climate change, and now, it stands at its closest point ever.
Daniel Holz, chair of the Science and Security Board, emphasized that the world has not made sufficient progress on existential risks. “Every second of delay in reversing course increases the probability of global disaster,” he warned. The clock’s placement is determined by the board’s assessment of man-made threats, including nuclear risk, climate change, and disruptive technologies.
The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists tracks these hazards closely. In 2023, the clock was set at a minute and a half to midnight, the closest it had been since the Cold War. This year’s move forward indicates that the world is already perilously close to the precipice, and any further inaction could lead to catastrophic consequences.
The Doomsday Clock serves as a powerful metaphor, reminding us of the urgent need for collective action to address the global challenges we face. It is a call to action, urging leaders and citizens alike to work together to prevent the worst-case scenario and ensure a safer future for humanity.
Q1: What is the Doomsday Clock?
A1: The Doomsday Clock is a metaphorical representation of the world’s proximity to human extinction, set by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.
Q2: Why was the clock set at 89 seconds to midnight?
A2: The clock was set at 89 seconds to midnight because the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists do not see sufficient positive progress on global challenges like nuclear risk, climate change, and disruptive technologies.
Q3: What are the main hazards tracked by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists?
A3: The main hazards tracked include nuclear risk, climate change, and disruptive technologies.
Q4: How often does the Doomsday Clock move?
A4: The clock moves twice a year, as determined by the Science and Security Board.
Q5: What was the initial setting of the Doomsday Clock?
A5: The initial setting of the Doomsday Clock was seven minutes to midnight in 1947.
Q6: How many times has the clock moved since its introduction?
A6: The clock has moved 25 times since its introduction in 1947.
Q7: What was the closest the clock had been to midnight before this year?
A7: The closest the clock had been to midnight before this year was a minute and a half in 2023.
Q8: Who is responsible for setting the Doomsday Clock?
A8: The Science and Security Board, composed of scientists, nuclear technology experts, and members of the sponsoring board, is responsible for setting the clock.
Q9: What is the significance of the Doomsday Clock’s movement?
A9: The movement of the Doomsday Clock signifies the world’s progress (or lack thereof) in addressing threats to human civilization.
Q10: What is the urgent message conveyed by the Doomsday Clock?
A10: The urgent message conveyed by the Doomsday Clock is that every second of delay in addressing global challenges increases the probability of global disaster.
The Doomsday Clock’s move to 89 seconds to midnight serves as a stark warning about the world’s proximity to catastrophic consequences. It underscores the need for immediate and collective action to address existential risks like nuclear risk, climate change, and disruptive technologies. The clock’s placement is a call to action, urging leaders and citizens to work together to prevent the worst-case scenario and ensure a safer future for humanity.
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