The Doomsday Clock, one of the most iconic symbols of the existential risk facing humanity, has been set to 89 seconds to midnight – the closest point to a global catastrophe ever recorded.
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The decision was announced by the Science and Security Board in its 2025 annual statement, warning that, despite clear signs of danger, global leaders continue to fail in taking the necessary steps to curb escalating threats.
Extreme Weather and Environmental Crisis
Over the past year, climate change has continued to intensify, with sea levels and global temperatures reaching new records. Extreme weather events, such as floods, cyclones, heat waves, and wildfires, have affected every continent, underscoring the urgency of coordinated global action. Despite significant growth in the adoption of solar and wind energy, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, while the political initiatives and budgets required to curb global warming remain insufficient. In the United States and many other countries, climate change is still treated as a low-priority issue.
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Biological and Technological Risks
Emerging and re-emerging diseases, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, have increased the likelihood of a new devastating pandemic. At the same time, technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, have heightened the risks of misuse, including the creation of engineered biological weapons for which there are no countermeasures.
Additionally, the growing use of artificial intelligence in military systems has raised ethical and security concerns. In recent conflicts, such as in Ukraine and the Middle East, these technologies are being tested and integrated into national arsenals, raising questions about the automation of military decisions, which may include the use of nuclear weapons.
Disinformation: A Threat Multiplier
The spread of disinformation and conspiracy theories represents a powerful amplifier of global threats. Advances in artificial intelligence are making it increasingly easy to produce and disseminate false information, blurring the line between fact and fiction. This degradation of the information ecosystem weakens public debate, which is essential for democracy, and contributes to the rise of leaders who disregard science and restrict human rights.
A Call to Action: United States, China, and Russia
The Science and Security Board highlighted the critical responsibility of the United States, China, and Russia – powers capable of either destroying or preserving civilization. It is urgent that these countries engage in good faith discussions to address the global threats described. “Continuing on the current path is a form of madness,” the report warns.
With the Doomsday Clock set at 89 seconds to midnight, the message is clear: every second counts. Humanity needs immediate action to prevent a global disaster.
Source: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
