2025 Doomsday Clock Strikes New Time: What Scientists Are Warning Us About | CNN

Seventy-eight years ago, scientists introduced a special timepiece known as the Doomsday Clock. This clock isn’t for telling time but rather a warning about how close humanity is to potential disaster.

Recently, the clock was set at 89 seconds to midnight. This is the closest it has ever been to midnight, which symbolizes a point where Earth could become unliveable. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, who created the clock in 1947, updates it based on current global threats.

For the previous two years, the clock was at 90 seconds to midnight. The primary reasons for these alarming times include ongoing conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, nuclear arms build-up, the violence in Gaza, and the escalating climate crisis.

The Doomsday Clock is not an exact science, but rather a conversation starter about crucial issues like nuclear risks and climate change. As Daniel Holz from the Bulletin explained, “We set the clock closer to midnight because we do not see enough positive progress on challenges like nuclear risks, climate change, and disruptive technologies.”

Holz emphasized the growing number of nuclear weapons and significant investments in destructive capabilities. There’s also a fast-paced development of technologies such as artificial intelligence that often outstrips regulation, making us more vulnerable.

Another pressing issue is the rise of misinformation and conspiracy theories. These threats can make it hard to distinguish between what is true and what is false, adding complexity to our already challenging environment.

The Bulletin was founded by scientists who worked on the atomic bomb project during World War II. Initially, they focused on nuclear risks, but in 2007, they expanded their concern to include climate change due to its severe global impact.

Over the years, the time on the Doomsday Clock has shifted, reflecting scientists’ views on humanity’s precarious existence. Each year, experts on the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board decide on the clock’s position, working with a notable Board of Sponsors established by Albert Einstein.

The clock serves as a stark reminder of the planet’s critical issues but faces criticism for its messaging. Michael Mann, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, described it as “an imperfect metaphor” but recognized its role in highlighting the fragility of life on Earth.

Eryn MacDonald, an analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists, also noted that the Bulletin’s decisions aim to raise awareness about existential threats. She expressed hope for a future where discussions focus on minutes rather than seconds to midnight, wishing for a less dire situation.

The Clock has never hit midnight, and Bulletin president Rachel Bronson expressed her desire for it to remain that way. Reaching midnight would confirm catastrophic events like nuclear war or devastating climate change.

The goal of the Doomsday Clock is to inspire discussion and action on pressing issues such as climate change and nuclear disarmament. Bronson encourages public engagement, believing that even conversations among friends can lead to significant change.

Changing personal habits can contribute to tackling climate change. Simple actions like walking more instead of driving, eating seasonal and local foods, reducing waste, conserving water, and recycling properly can all help make a difference.