Doomsday Clock ticks to 89 seconds: Humanity’s closest brush with catastrophe

The Doomsday Clock, a symbolic representation of how close humanity is to self-destruction, has been set at 89 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been, according to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. This shift, announced on Tuesday, underscores rising concerns over nuclear risks, climate change, and disruptive technologies.

The Bulletin, established in 1947 by scientists involved in the Manhattan Project, updates the clock annually to reflect global existential threats. The decision to move it forward from last year’s 90 seconds was driven by worsening global crises, including the Ukraine war, escalating tensions in Gaza, and inadequate responses to climate change.

“We are witnessing insufficient progress on nuclear disarmament, biological threats, and regulating artificial intelligence,” said Daniel Holz, chair of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board. He also criticised the proliferation of misinformation, which he described as a “threat multiplier” exacerbating global challenges.

A call to action

The Doomsday Clock, initially focused on nuclear threats, now incorporates climate change and disruptive technologies in its assessment. Despite criticisms of its metaphorical nature, experts agree it serves as a crucial wake-up call, encouraging public discourse on existential risks.

Bulletin President Rachel Bronson expressed hope that humanity could still turn back the clock. “Because humans created these threats, we have the power to reduce them,” she said, urging global engagement and individual action to address pressing issues.

A Grim reminder

The clock has never struck midnight, which would symbolise catastrophic global collapse. However, its latest setting serves as a stark reminder of the precarious state of humanity. Experts emphasise that bold, concrete action is necessary to reverse the trend, citing historical successes like the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty of 1991.

The Bulletin’s message is clear: the time to act is now, before the metaphorical clock runs out.