The Doomsday Clock now stands at 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been in its 78-year history. The US, China, and Russia bear the responsibility of guiding the world away from disaster. The survival of humanity hinges on immediate action from global leaders.
Established in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, including Manhattan Project scientists, the Doomsday Clock reflects escalating existential threats. Nuclear weapons, climate change, biological threats, and advancements in artificial intelligence pose grave risks that deeply concern leading scientists worldwide.
Setting the Clock at 89 seconds to midnight—one second closer than in 2023—the Bulletin underscores our perilous proximity to catastrophe. This unprecedented closeness to midnight signals extreme danger and serves as a stark warning: any delay in reversing course increases the likelihood of global calamity.
Global cooperation is crucial to address these challenges. In 2025, we earnestly hope that world leaders will acknowledge the existential threats facing humanity and act decisively to mitigate the risks posed by nuclear weapons, climate change, the misuse of biological sciences, and emerging technologies. Continuing on our current path is exceedingly dangerous.
The war in Ukraine could escalate at any moment. An accident, rash decision, or miscalculation could plunge the world into chaos. This is not the only conflict causing concern. Several non-nuclear states are considering developing their own arsenals, undermining non-proliferation efforts and significantly raising the risk of nuclear war. Simultaneously, the nuclear arms control process is faltering, and current high-level talks among nuclear powers are woefully insufficient given the imminent danger.
The solution isn’t simple, but the path forward is clear. The world needs strong leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Past successes, such as arms control agreements and recent ceasefires, demonstrate that even rivals can negotiate for mutual benefit. However, faster progress is urgently required. The US withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement are discouraging developments.
The situation is deeply troubling, particularly for young people who perceive an increasingly dysfunctional and dangerous world. For many, the future seems bleak, with numerous threats creating widespread uncertainty and despair.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that 57% of 16 to 25-year-olds in the US are “very or extremely worried” about climate change. Their concerns are valid—their leaders are not acting swiftly enough. The World Meteorological Organization declared 2024 the hottest year on record. Other indicators, such as rising sea levels and increasing greenhouse gas emissions, continue to worsen, with extreme weather events impacting every continent. However, global efforts to address climate change remain inadequate, with most governments failing to implement necessary policies.
Regarding nuclear risks, research indicates that young people are less likely than older generations to believe nuclear deterrence is effective. They are also more likely to view nuclear weapons as making America less secure. Yet, the US, Russia, and China continue to expand their nuclear arsenals, investing hundreds of billions of dollars in weapons of mass destruction—funds that could be used to solve global problems.
Meanwhile, top scientists express concern about global unpreparedness for the next major pandemic. Emerging, re-emerging, and evolving pathogens pose an ongoing threat. The spread of avian influenza to livestock and the emergence of human cases raise the specter of a new pandemic.
These significant challenges are compounded by the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Public trust in science is eroding, despite remarkable scientific advancements. AI facilitates the rapid spread of false information, while nations employ disinformation and propaganda to undermine their rivals. This erosion of information integrity harms public discourse, undermining democracy and empowering those who attack science, violate human rights, and obstruct collective action.
However, hope for global unity and shared humanity must not be abandoned. Everyone desires a brighter future for their children and future generations. Young people are demanding solutions, and world leaders must rise to the occasion or risk fostering despair and disillusionment.
The consequences of prioritizing competition over cooperation are catastrophic. The US, China, and Russia may disagree on many issues, but they must agree on one critical point: a self-inflicted apocalypse serves no national interest. They must collaborate, setting aside short-term rivalries and focusing on long-term survival. And they must act now, as every second counts.
