Doomsday Clock Moves to 89 Seconds to Midnight, Marking Record Proximity to Global Catastrophe
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists cites nuclear threats, climate change, artificial intelligence, and pandemics as driving humanity closer to disaster.
- 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.
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