Overview

• The Doomsday Clock, a symbolic measure of global existential risk, has been set to 89 seconds before midnight, the closest to catastrophe in its 78-year history.
• Key factors influencing the decision include the escalating risk of nuclear war, intensifying climate change, and rapid advancements in artificial intelligence without adequate safeguards.
• Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists highlighted the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as a significant nuclear threat, alongside rising tensions in regions like the Middle East and Taiwan.
• 2024 was recorded as the hottest year in history, with severe climate impacts, further exacerbated by reduced international cooperation on environmental and health issues.
• Global leaders, particularly from the United States, China, and Russia, were called upon to address these existential threats through urgent and coordinated action.