Doomsday Clock Moves to 85 Seconds to Midnight as Global Threats Intensify
Earth is now closer to destruction than ever before, according to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which has officially moved the Doomsday Clock to just 85 seconds before midnight.
The announcement was made on Tuesday following a scientific review, signaling growing alarm over nuclear war threats, climate change failures, artificial intelligence risks, and geopolitical tensions.
Rising Nuclear War Risks Around the World
Scientists warned that escalating conflicts involving nuclear-armed nations are pushing humanity toward a dangerous tipping point. Major concerns include the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, renewed clashes between India and Pakistan, and questions surrounding Iran’s nuclear capabilities after recent U.S. and Israeli strikes.
Experts cautioned that even regional conflicts could rapidly spiral into a global nuclear crisis.
Collapse of Global Cooperation
The Bulletin highlighted a breakdown in international trust and diplomacy, replaced by aggressive nationalism and zero-sum competition among world powers such as the United States, Russia, and China.
Daniel Holz, chair of the Science and Security Board, warned that a divided world increases the likelihood of catastrophe, stating that an “us-versus-them” mindset puts all of humanity at risk.
Climate Change and Policy Failures
Worsening climate change impacts—including droughts, floods, and record heatwaves—were also cited as critical dangers. Scientists criticized global leaders for failing to adopt meaningful climate agreements and pointed to renewed support for fossil fuels over renewable energy as a major setback.
AI and Biotechnology Raise New Alarms
Beyond nuclear and climate threats, the group expressed concern over the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence without proper safeguards and the potential misuse of biotechnology, warning these emerging technologies could pose existential risks.
What the Doomsday Clock Means
Established in 1947, the Doomsday Clock symbolizes how close humanity is to self-inflicted destruction. After the Cold War, it stood at 17 minutes to midnight. Today, the clock measures time in seconds, reflecting the urgency of modern global threats.
Can Humanity Turn Back the Clock?
The Bulletin emphasized that the clock is not permanent. Through global cooperation, nuclear arms control, climate action, and responsible AI governance, world leaders still have the power to move humanity away from the brink.
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