The world is closer to catastrophe than ever before, according to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which has moved the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds before midnight, the closest point in its nearly eight-decade history.
The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic measure created in 1947 to warn humanity about existential threats of its own making. Midnight represents a global disaster, and the clock is reset each year by leading scientists based on risks such as nuclear conflict, climate change, biological threats and emerging technologies.
Announcing the latest update, scientists said the decision reflects a sharp rise in nuclear danger, worsening geopolitical conflicts, unchecked climate breakdown, and the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence.
They warned that relations among nuclear-armed states, particularly the United States, Russia and China, have deteriorated, while arms-control agreements meant to reduce the risk of nuclear war are weakening or expiring. Ongoing conflicts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and rising tensions in other regions, have increased the chances of miscalculation or escalation involving nuclear weapons.
Climate change was flagged as another accelerating threat. Scientists said governments continue to fall short on emissions cuts, even as extreme weather events become more frequent and destructive, increasing global instability and humanitarian crises.
A major new concern highlighted this year is the rapid development of artificial intelligence, especially its use in military systems and the spread of disinformation. Experts cautioned that AI-driven misinformation could undermine trust in institutions, fuel conflict and weaken democratic societies. They warned that the technology is advancing faster than global rules to control it.
Bulletin leaders stressed that the clock is not a prediction, but a warning. They said humanity still has the tools and knowledge to step back from the edge, but doing so requires urgent action, international cooperation and responsible leadership.
“The world is sending us clear danger signals,” the scientists said, urging governments to reduce nuclear risks, tackle climate change seriously, and put strong safeguards around powerful new technologies before it is too late.
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