Science & Technology

Doomsday clock moves one second closer to armageddon

By T.K. Randall
January 28, 2025

Image: AI-generated (Midjourney) Maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists since 1947, the Doomsday Clock is a visual representation of how close the world is to disaster based on political, environmental and technological threats such as nuclear annihilation and climate change.

Back in 2023, the clock's hands were moved to 90 seconds to midnight and now, two years on, they have been moved again - this time to just 89 seconds to midnight.

Reasons cited for the move include the continued threat of nuclear war, climate change, artificial intelligence, conflicts in the Middle-East and the possibility of another pandemic.

"In 2024, humanity edged ever closer to catastrophe," the official press release states.

"Trends that have deeply concerned the Science and Security Board continued, and despite unmistakable signs of danger, national leaders and their societies have failed to do what is needed to change course.""Consequently, we now move the Doomsday Clock from 90 seconds to 89 seconds to midnight - the closest it has ever been to catastrophe."

"Our fervent hope is that leaders will recognize the world's existential predicament and take bold action to reduce the threats posed by nuclear weapons, climate change, and the potential misuse of biological science and a variety of emerging technologies."

According to the scientists, the United States, China and Russia "have the prime responsibility to pull the world back from the brink".

"The Doomsday Clock is moving at a moment of profound global instability and geopolitical tension," said former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos who participated in the announcement.

"As the hands of the clock get ever closer to midnight, we make an impassioned plea to all leaders: now is the time to act together! The existential threats we face can only be addressed through bold leadership and partnership on a global scale."

"Every second counts."

Source: Thebulletin.org

Tags: Doomsday Clock