The Doomsday Clock has been moved forward again: how much time is left until the "catastrophe"?

Nuclear scientists have once again moved the Doomsday Clock. Its hands are now positioned at 89 seconds to midnight—closer to potential catastrophe than ever before.

This is reported by RBK-Ukraine citing The Time.

By setting the clock hands to 89 seconds before midnight—one second closer than the last adjustment in 2023—the "Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists" signals that the world is unacceptably close to disaster.

"We are closer to midnight than ever before, which indicates extreme danger and serves as an unmistakable warning that every minute of delay in changing course increases the likelihood of global catastrophe. The world needs not less, but more international cooperation to tackle these issues," the scientists stated.

They expressed hope that by 2025, world leaders will recognize the existential predicament the world is in and will act in the interest of humanity by taking bold measures to reduce threats related to nuclear weapons, climate change, potential misuse of biological science, and various new technologies.

It is noted that "continuing on the current path would be dangerous." Among the reasons for moving the clock are Russia's war against Ukraine.

"The war in Ukraine poses the threat of nuclear weapon use at any moment. A simple accident, impulsive decision, or miscalculation could plunge the world into chaos," the scientists believe.

They are also concerned about the risk of a nuclear catastrophe. Currently, 30 non-nuclear weapon states are considering the possibility of developing their own arsenals, undermining years of efforts toward non-proliferation and exponentially increasing the likelihood of nuclear war.

Furthermore, according to the scientists, the process of nuclear weapons control is deteriorating, and the current high-level contacts between nuclear powers are "absolutely inadequate," given the existing danger.

Doomsday Clock

The Doomsday Clock is a project of atomic scientists at the University of Chicago, which they initiated in 1947 at 23:53, immediately after the creation of the first American atomic bomb.

Initially, the clock reflected only the threat of nuclear war, but since 2007, it has also taken into account climate change and technological advancements that could lead to global catastrophe.

The time remaining until midnight symbolizes the tension of the international situation and progress in the development of nuclear weapons. Midnight itself represents the moment of nuclear cataclysm.

Let us remind you that the last time the Doomsday Clock was adjusted was in 2023—by a full 10 seconds. The symbolic clock was primarily moved due to the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.