Why the Doomsday Clock is Ticking Closer to Midnight: Insights from Atomic Scientists on Humanity’s Atomic Threat

According to atomic scientists, humanity is now closer to its own destruction than ever before. On Tuesday, they announced that the “Doomsday Clock” is now set at 89 seconds to midnight—the closest it’s ever been.

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, a group focused on scientific advocacy, revealed this alarming update. They measure how close the world is to self-destruction through various global challenges, including nuclear risks, climate change, biological threats, and disruptive technologies.

Daniel Holz, chair of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, explained, “We set the clock closer to midnight because we do not see positive progress on the global challenges.” His statement came amidst ongoing concerns about the war in Ukraine, which could escalate to nuclear conflict, and increasing nuclear arsenals in several countries. Additionally, global efforts to combat climate change have been lackluster, as necessary policies have yet to be enacted. Advances in biotechnology and artificial intelligence also raise new concerns, as they often outpace regulatory measures.

“Moving the clock forward sends a clear signal of danger,” Holz said. “It warns that we’re perilously close to a crisis.”

What is the ‘Doomsday Clock’?

The Doomsday Clock serves as a symbolic reminder of how close humanity is to a catastrophe of its own making. Midnight on the clock symbolizes the end of the world. If the clock ticks closer to midnight, it indicates that we’re at greater risk of self-destruction. Conversely, it can move away from midnight if noticeable progress is made to reduce these risks.

Holz stated, “There is hope. We believe the clock can be moved back, but our concern is that those actions aren’t being taken.” The clock emphasizes the urgent threats posed by emerging technologies and geopolitical tensions.

The History of the Doomsday Clock

The concept of the Doomsday Clock originated in 1947, during a time of nuclear peril as the U.S. and Russia faced off in an arms race. Artist Martyl Langsdorf created the clock to visually express the urgency surrounding nuclear energy and potential destruction.

Initially set to seven minutes until midnight, this design choice aimed to highlight the necessity of managing nuclear technology responsibly.

How is the Time Set?

Initially, the Bulletin’s editor, Eugene Rabinowitch, decided on the clock’s timing, basing his decisions on discussions with scientists worldwide. After his passing in 1973, the responsibility shifted to the Bulletin’s governing board, which later formed the Science and Security Board to take on this critical task.

This expert group evaluates the state of global security and asks if humanity is safer than the previous year or compared to the clock’s entire history.

Recent Clock Adjustments

In January 2023, the clock was adjusted to 90 seconds to midnight due to escalating nuclear threats from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This setting remained unchanged in 2024 due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, environmental crises, and advanced technology risks.

When Was the Clock Furthest from Midnight?

The furthest the Doomsday Clock has been from midnight was in 1991, when it was moved back to 17 minutes after the Cold War ended and agreements were made to reduce nuclear weapons significantly.

Since its inception, the clock has been reset over 20 times, reflecting the changing tides of global security and technological risks. With the clock now ticking closer than ever, it serves as a crucial reminder of the need for collective action to ensure a safer future.

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Doomsday Clock, Daniel Holz, The Bulletin, Security Board, seconds to midnight, Alexander Langsdorf, Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, nuclear weapons