Doomsday Clock Edges Closest To Midnight In Human History – Here’s What It Means
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has moved its symbolic Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight. This is the closest it has ever been to the point representing global catastrophe, reflecting a dire assessment of mounting worldwide threats.
The adjustment cites worsening nuclear risks, accelerating climate change impacts, emerging biological threats, and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence without adequate safeguards. It follows last year’s setting of 89 seconds, indicating a further deterioration over the past year.
Deteriorating relations among major powers are central to the Bulletin’s decision. The group warns that international cooperation is collapsing, with leaders adopting more aggressive postures that increase danger rather than reduce it. Ongoing wars and flashpoints involving nuclear-armed states are particularly concerning.
Beyond nuclear tensions, climate change remains a persistent threat. The Bulletin notes that rising temperatures, extreme weather, and slow progress on emissions are adding pressure to global stability and humanitarian systems.
The rapid development of biotechnology and artificial intelligence also presents serious dangers. Concerns include the potential misuse of AI to create biological threats and its unregulated integration into military systems, which could accelerate crises.
The Doomsday Clock is a communication tool, not a literal countdown, designed to convey urgency. The Bulletin stresses that the clock can be turned back through renewed global cooperation and responsible leadership to address these interconnected risks.
Ultimately, the move to 85 seconds is a stark warning. It signifies the organization’s view that the world is drifting toward a rigid, zero-sum mindset, which it assesses as one of the clearest paths to higher global risk.
