Scientists Move Doomsday Clock Closer to ‘Catastrophe’

Nuclear scientists have changed the time on the Doomsday Clock, showing how close humanity is to self-destruction. The clock now points to 89 seconds to midnight, which is the closest approach to a possible catastrophe in history, Reuters reports.  

The change in forecasts became known on 28 January 2025, according to the website of the American journal Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.  

The Doomsday Clock was created in 1947 by a Chicago-based non-profit organisation that included Albert Einstein and Robert Oppenheimer. Its goal was to warn the public about the impending catastrophe.  

Scientists explained the move closer to ‘midnight’ by Russia's nuclear threats, the use of artificial intelligence for military purposes, escalating tensions in various regions of the world, and climate change.  

Daniel Holz, chairman of the journal's Science and Security Council, noted that while some of these factors were not new in 2024, scientists noted ‘insufficient progress’ in addressing key threats.  

‘In many cases, this is leading to increasingly negative and disturbing consequences. Setting the Doomsday Clock to 89 seconds to midnight is a warning to all world leaders,’ explained Holz.  

He emphasised that Russia's war against Ukraine continues to be a ‘major source of nuclear risk’, as the conflict could escalate at any time.  

In November 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin updated the nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for a nuclear strike.  

Another source of instability in 2024 was the Middle East, where hostilities continued between Israel and the Gaza Strip, with the participation of other countries, including Iran.  

In addition, military pressure is growing from China, which has nuclear weapons. In 2024, Beijing sent its ships and aircraft to the area around Taiwan.  

North Korea also continued to test ballistic missiles.  

‘We are closely monitoring and hope that the truce in Gaza will be maintained. Tensions in the Middle East, including Iran, are still dangerously volatile.  

There are other potential hotspots in the world, including Taiwan and North Korea. Any of them could turn into a firefight involving nuclear powers with unpredictable and potentially devastating consequences,’ said Holz.  

In 2024, the capabilities and popularity of artificial intelligence grew rapidly, raising concerns about its use in the military. During his presidency, Joe Biden signed an executive order to reduce the risks AI poses to national security, the economy, and public health.  

However, the decree was cancelled by the next president, Donald Trump, shortly after his inauguration.  

‘Advances in artificial intelligence are beginning to manifest themselves on the battlefield in unpredictable but disturbing ways, and of particular concern is the future possibility of AI being used in nuclear weapons. In addition, artificial intelligence is increasingly disrupting the global information ecosystem,’ Holz added.  

Last year was also the hottest on record, according to the UN World Meteorological Organisation.  

‘While the growth of wind and solar power has been amazing, the world still doesn't have enough to prevent the worst effects of climate change,’ said Holz.