Overview

• The Doomsday Clock, a symbolic measure of existential threats, was set to 89 seconds to midnight on January 28, 2025, the closest it has ever been since its creation in 1947.
• The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists highlighted escalating nuclear risks, including Russia's refusal to negotiate arms treaties, China's arsenal expansion, and the U.S.'s increasing defense investments.
• Climate change remains a critical factor, with 2024 being the hottest year on record and global temperatures exceeding the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels for the first time in a calendar year.
• Advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly its role in spreading misinformation and its potential integration into military systems, are seen as accelerating global instability.
• The organization urged world leaders, particularly from the U.S., China, and Russia, to engage in good-faith discussions and take immediate action to mitigate these interconnected threats.