The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has moved the symbolic “Doomsday Clock” to 89 seconds before midnight, the closest it has ever been to the theoretical point of global annihilation. This adjustment reflects heightened risks from nuclear threats, climate change, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies. The clock, first created in 1947 during the Cold War, serves as a stark warning to humanity about the dangers of self-destruction.
A Bleak Global Outlook
The decision to move the clock forward by one second from last year’s setting underscores the lack of progress in addressing critical global challenges. “The factors shaping this year’s decision—nuclear risk, climate change, biological science misuse, and emerging technologies like AI—are not new, but insufficient progress has been made to mitigate these threats,” said Daniel Holz, chair of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board.
Holz emphasized that the current setting is a dire warning to world leaders, particularly the United States, China, and Russia, who bear primary responsibility for pulling the world back from the brink. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Juan Manuel Santos, Colombia’s former president, noted at the announcement, “This is a bleak picture, but it is not yet irreversible.”
Escalating Nuclear Risks
The ongoing war in Ukraine remains a significant source of nuclear risk. “The conflict could escalate to include nuclear weapons at any moment due to a rash decision, accident, or miscalculation,” Holz warned. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent lowering of the threshold for nuclear strikes in response to conventional attacks has further heightened tensions. Russia’s refusal to engage in new arms control talks with the U.S. adds to the instability, as the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) is set to expire in 2026.
Regional Instability and Conflict
Beyond Ukraine, other global hotspots contribute to the precarious situation. The Middle East remains volatile, with the Israel-Gaza war and broader regional hostilities involving Iran. Meanwhile, nuclear-armed China has increased military pressure near Taiwan, and North Korea continues its ballistic missile tests. “Any of these conflicts could escalate into a nuclear confrontation with devastating consequences,” Holz cautioned.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence has rapidly advanced in 2024, raising concerns about its military applications and potential to disrupt global security. “AI is beginning to appear on the battlefield in worrisome ways, and its potential use in nuclear weapons systems is particularly alarming,” Holz said. Additionally, AI-driven disinformation and misinformation are exacerbating global dysfunction. While the U.S. has taken steps to address AI risks, including an executive order signed by President Joe Biden, its revocation by his successor, Donald Trump, has added uncertainty.
Climate Change: A Growing Threat
2023 was the hottest year on record, according to the U.N. World Meteorological Organization, with climate change intensifying storms, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Despite progress in renewable energy, the world remains far from meeting the necessary targets to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. “The global response to climate change is still inadequate,” Holz noted.
A Call to Action
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, founded in 1945 by figures like Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer, continues to sound the alarm about humanity’s capacity for self-destruction. The Doomsday Clock serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for international cooperation to address nuclear threats, climate change, and emerging technologies. As Holz stated, “The clock is ticking, and the time to act is now.”
The world stands at a critical juncture, and the choices made by global leaders in the coming years will determine whether the clock moves closer to midnight or away from it. The stakes could not be higher.
