The symbolic “Doomsday Clock,” now set 89 seconds before the theoretical moment of destruction, has been moved closer to midnight than ever before by a group of international scientists. This marks a one-second change from the previous setting. The clock was initially developed in 1947 by the Chicago-based nonprofit Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists to alert the public about global hazards during the Cold War.

The Bulletin’s science and security board chair, Daniel Holz, stated that the issues influencing this year’s decision—climate change, nuclear risk, the potential misuse of biological research, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence—were not new in 2024. However, he emphasized that the lack of progress in addressing these issues has led to increasingly severe and concerning consequences.

The announcement underscored that the primary responsibility for steering the world away from catastrophe rests with the United States, China, and Russia. “The Doomsday Clock is set at 89 seconds to midnight as a warning to world leaders,” Holz continued.

Nuclear Risks and Global Conflicts

The heightened risk of nuclear war is a key factor in advancing the clock. With Russia’s invasion igniting Europe’s worst conflict since World War II, the war in Ukraine continues to pose a significant nuclear threat. “That conflict could escalate to include nuclear weapons at any moment due to a rash decision or through accident and miscalculation,” Holz warned.

In November, Russian President Vladimir Putin lowered the threshold for a nuclear strike in response to a broader range of conventional attacks. With Ukraine continuing to receive weapons from the US and its allies, Moscow defended this move as a message to the West. According to Russia’s revised doctrine, Putin could order a nuclear strike using the world’s largest nuclear arsenal.

Concerns escalated in October when Russia announced it would not negotiate a new agreement with the US to replace the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), set to expire in 2026. Russia insisted that future arms control agreements should include other nuclear-armed nations.

Global tensions remain dangerously high beyond Ukraine. Holz cited potential flashpoints, including Taiwan and North Korea, as well as instability in the Middle East, such as Iran and the war in Gaza. He cautioned that any of these conflicts could escalate into a nuclear confrontation with unpredictable and possibly catastrophic consequences.

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Climate Crisis and the Role of AI

Scientists also cited the worsening climate crisis as a key reason for advancing the clock. According to the UN World Meteorological Organization, last year was the hottest on record, with the ten warmest years occurring in the past decade. “While there has been impressive growth in wind and solar energy, the world is still falling short of what is necessary to prevent the worst aspects of climate change,” Holz stated.

Additionally, artificial intelligence was highlighted as both a tool for progress and a potential threat. Experts warned that AI-driven disinformation could amplify global risks, making it more difficult for the public and policymakers to respond effectively to crises. Holz described misinformation, conspiracy theories, and disinformation as a “potent threat multiplier” that undermines communication and blurs the line between fact and fiction.

The gravity of the situation was underscored by Juan Manuel Santos, former president of Colombia and chair of The Elders, a group of former world leaders. He warned that the world is closer to disaster than ever, with the Doomsday Clock reading 89 seconds to midnight. However, he stressed that while the situation is dire, it is still reversible.

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