Doomsday Clock Moves to 89 Seconds Before Midnight, Marking Historic Risk Level
Scientists warn of unprecedented global threats, including nuclear conflict, climate crisis, and misuse of AI, urging immediate international action.
- 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.