Scientists Move Doomsday Clock Closer Than Ever to Midnight: ‘An Indication of Extreme Danger’

Scientists Move Doomsday Clock Closer to Midnight

In a dire warning to the world, scientists have made the unprecedented decision to move the symbolic Doomsday Clock closer than ever to midnight. The announcement was made by The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, a non-profit organisation dedicated to global security and science.

As of January 28, 2025, the Doomsday Clock now stands at 89 seconds to midnight, representing the closest it has ever been to potential global catastrophe. This adjustment marks a shift of one second forward from last year’s setting of 90 seconds to midnight.

The decision to move the Doomsday Clock reflects a myriad of pressing global issues that threaten humanity’s future. Among these concerns are the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the rise of artificial intelligence, the escalating climate crisis, and ongoing conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars.

Chairman of The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, Daniel Holz, emphasised the gravity of this move, stating that the world is teetering on the edge of calamity. He underscored the urgency for immediate action, highlighting that each passing moment without intervention heightens the risk of a global disaster.

The organisation elaborated on the alarming state of affairs that led to the clock adjustment in 2025. Despite clear warning signs and growing dangers, leaders worldwide have failed to enact necessary changes to avert potential catastrophe. Urgent appeals were made for bold leadership to address the looming threats of nuclear war, climate change, and the misuse of advanced technologies.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Juan Manuel Santos drew attention to the critical juncture the world is facing, urging leaders to come together in unified action. With geopolitical tensions escalating and global stability increasingly fragile, the need for collaborative efforts to address these existential threats has never been more pressing.

The Doomsday Clock, originally established in 1947 by luminaries like Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer, serves as a symbolic representation of humanity’s vulnerability to catastrophic events. Its movement serves as a stark reminder of the precarious state of our planet and the imperative for concerted global action to avert disaster.

This latest adjustment to the Doomsday Clock serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for collective responsibility and decisive action to safeguard the future of humanity. The clock’s proximity to midnight underscores the critical crossroads at which the world finds itself and the imperative for leaders and citizens alike to rise to the challenge.

As the world grapples with unprecedented threats and challenges, the symbolism of the Doomsday Clock serves as a poignant wake-up call, prompting reflection on the actions needed to secure a safer and more sustainable future for generations to come.