In a stark reminder of the mounting global threats we face, the Doomsday Clock has been advanced to just 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been. This alarming shift reflects the escalating dangers posed by nuclear conflict, climate change, and the unchecked rise of artificial intelligence. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which has monitored these existential risks since 1947, emphasised that immediate action is more vital than ever.
A Grim Milestone
Last year, the clock stood at 89 seconds, already an unprecedented marker of peril. Now, with the hands moved even closer to midnight, experts assert this shift serves as a critical warning. “Each second counts,” stated Alexandra Bell, President and CEO of the Bulletin. “We are witnessing a global failure in leadership, and the consequences of inaction could be catastrophic.”
The clock’s current position not only signifies a dire assessment of ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, but also highlights the increasing complexities surrounding nuclear diplomacy. With recent years bringing a notable decline in international cooperation, the situation appears precarious.
Rising Tensions Around the Globe
The state of nuclear affairs is particularly troubling. Bell pointed to several military confrontations and the resurgence of nuclear testing as indicators of heightened risk. “In terms of nuclear risks, nothing in 2025 trended in the right direction,” she remarked, referencing the fragility of longstanding treaties like the New START agreement between the United States and Russia, set to expire on February 5.
The potential for explosive nuclear testing has re-emerged, a stark turnaround after decades of restraint. Just recently, U.S. military orders to restart nuclear testing processes after a hiatus of over 30 years have raised eyebrows around the globe. The implications of such a shift could tilt the balance of power, especially with nations like China keenly observing developments.
The Broader Impact of Unchecked Technology
As the Doomsday Clock ticks ominously forward, the rise of artificial intelligence presents another layer of risk. Maria Ressa, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, highlighted the alarming spread of misinformation fuelled by predatory technology. “We are living through an information Armageddon,” she stated, as she called for urgent reform to combat the divisive narratives proliferating on social media platforms.
Compounding these issues, geopolitical tensions are escalating between major powers, with nationalism and aggressive posturing undermining the collaborative efforts necessary to address these global challenges. The competition among countries has transformed into a “winner-takes-all” mentality, making it increasingly difficult to forge the alliances needed to mitigate risks related to nuclear warfare and climate disaster.
Why it Matters
The movement of the Doomsday Clock closer to midnight serves as a clarion call for urgent collective action. As we confront the looming threats of nuclear conflict, environmental catastrophe, and the ethical implications of advancing technology, the responsibility falls on all of us—governments, institutions, and individuals alike—to demand transparency and accountability from our leaders. The time for complacency has passed; we must act decisively to reshape our future and avert the impending crises that threaten our very existence.
