For the first time in three years, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) has moved the Doomsday Clock forward by one second, setting it at 89 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been to symbolic global catastrophe.
Why Was the Clock Moved?
Daniel Holz, chair of the BAS Science and Security Board, announced the update on Tuesday, citing insufficient progress on existential risks. The primary threats include:
- Nuclear weapons tensions
- Climate change
- Bioweapons and infectious diseases
- Artificial intelligence and other disruptive technologies
What Is the Doomsday Clock?
Created in 1947, the Doomsday Clock is a symbolic measure of how close humanity is to self-destruction due to man-made threats. It is adjusted annually by scientists, nuclear experts, and Nobel laureates based on current global risks.
Has the Clock Ever Moved Back?
Yes. The largest rollback was in 1991, when the U.S. and Soviet Union signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), pushing the clock back by seven minutes. The furthest it has ever been from midnight was 17 minutes.
What Happens Next?
BAS warns that without urgent global action, the world remains at extreme risk. The clock serves as a wake-up call for leaders and citizens to address these existential threats before time runs out.
