World
Doomsday Clock Moves Closes Ever Midnight and World Destruction
The Doomsday Clock, which represents how close humanity is to catastrophic disaster, has moved forward by one second. It now stands at 89 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS), which adjusts the clock each year, cited nuclear threats, advancements in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, and climate change as the primary reasons for the change.
Daniel Holz, chair of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, described the decision as “a warning to all world leaders.”
First introduced in 1947, the clock was initially set at seven minutes to midnight. Last year, the clock remained at 90 seconds.
In a statement on Tuesday, the BAS, a non-profit organization based in Chicago, explained: “By moving the clock forward by just one second, we send a clear signal. The world is already dangerously close to catastrophe, and even the smallest delay in addressing these dangers increases the likelihood of global disaster.”
The group highlighted the ongoing war in Ukraine, which is nearing three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion. They warned it could escalate into a nuclear conflict due to rash decisions, accidents, or miscalculations.
“Violence in the Middle East could also spiral into a broader conflict without prior warning,” the statement added.
The scientists also voiced concerns about global inaction on climate change. They pointed out that many governments still fail to implement the policies and funding needed to combat global warming effectively.
Regarding biological threats, the BAS noted that new and recurring diseases continue to disrupt economies, societies, and global security.
They also expressed alarm about the increasing dangers posed by emerging technologies. “Last year, advancements in disruptive technologies made the world more unstable. Artificial intelligence systems used in military targeting have become operational in Ukraine and the Middle East, while several nations are working to integrate AI into their military strategies.”
The organization emphasized that the rapid spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories amplifies these risks. They stated, “The erosion of trust in communication channels blurs the line between fact and fiction, worsening the situation.”
The BAS also warned that the United States, China, and Russia hold enough power to destroy civilization. They urged these nations to take the lead in steering the world away from disaster.
What is the Doomsday Clock?
The Doomsday Clock symbolizes humanity is proximity to self-destruction due to human-made risks. Midnight signifies total annihilation. As the clock approaches midnight, it indicates increasing dangers. Conversely, moving it farther away suggests progress in reducing those risks.
“There is hope. The clock can be moved back,” Holz said in response to a reporter’s question. “But the issue is that such actions are not being taken.”
According to the BAS website, “The Doomsday Clock is a visual design meant to alert the public to the risks we face from dangerous technologies. It’s a reminder of the urgent issues we must address to ensure our planet’s survival.”
How did the Doomsday Clock originate?
The clock was introduced in 1947 when nuclear weapons were considered humanity’s greatest threat. At the time, the U.S. and Russia were on the brink of an arms race.
Martyl Langsdorf, an artist, was commissioned to design a cover for the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists journal. Married to Alexander Langsdorf, a physicist involved in the Manhattan Project, she understood the urgency of conveying the dangers of nuclear weapons to the public. She chose a clock design over the uranium symbol to emphasize humanity’s limited time to address the threat.
Langsdorf initially set the clock at seven minutes to midnight, explaining that the design “simply looked good to my eye.”
How is the clock’s time decided?
Bulletin editor Eugene Rabinowitch initially determined whether to adjust the clock, consulting scientists and experts worldwide. Rabinowitch was a prominent advocate for reducing and eliminating nuclear weapons.
After his passing in 1973, the Bulletin’s governing board took over the task. 2008, they established the Science and Security Board (SASB), which now handles the responsibility. This group of global experts evaluates risks, including nuclear threats, climate change, and artificial intelligence, before deciding the clock’s setting.
When was the clock farthest from midnight?
The clock was most optimistic in 199 when it was pushed back to 17 minutes to midnight. This followed the end of the Cold War and the signing of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) between the U.S. and Russia, which significantly reduced the number of nuclear weapons. Since its inception, the Doomsday Clock has been reset more than 20 times.
