Doomsday Clock moves closer to annihilation than ever

(CN) — Scientists set the metaphorical “Doomsday Clock” to 85 seconds to midnight Tuesday, signaling their belief that humanity is closer to annihilation than at any other point since the clock’s began ticking.

The Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists cited climate change, misuse of biotechnology, the potential threat of artificial intelligence, and aggression by nuclear powers as the main factors for moving the clock closer to midnight.

With midnight representing annihilation, the clock moves closer to the end of human civilization than at any other point since its debut in 1947.

“The Doomsday Clock’s message cannot be clearer. Catastrophic risks are on the rise, cooperation is on the decline, and we are running out of time. Change is both necessary and possible, but the global community must demand swift action from their leaders,” said Alexandra Bell, president and CEO of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.

The scientists say aggressive actions taken by China, Russia and the United States have moved the world toward “a winner-takes-all great power competition.” Specifically, the modernization of nuclear delivery systems in the three countries has resulted in a dangerous arms race.

“Hundreds of billions are being spent to modernize and expand nuclear arsenals all over the world, and more and more non-nuclear states are considering whether they should acquire their own nuclear weapons or are hedging their nuclear bets,” said Jon B. Wolfsthal, director of global risk at the Federation of American Scientists.

AI and disinformation were also cited as dangerous future factors by the report, with Columbia professor and 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Maria Ressa claiming disinformation is the problem underlying all other problems.

“We are living through an information Armageddon — the crisis beneath all crises — driven by extractive and predatory technology that spreads lies faster than facts and profits from our division,” said Ressa. “Nuclear threats, climate collapse, AI risks: none can be addressed without first rebuilding our shared reality. The clock is ticking.”

Despite the dire warning, the scientists touted several actions to reverse the dangers, including reducing the United States and Russia’s nuclear arsenals.

The United States was specifically urged to reverse what it called “President Trump’s war on renewable energy,” and to provide investments reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

The United States, Russia and China must also engage in talks to create joint guidelines on the use of AI in the military, specifically the use in nuclear and command systems.

The Doomsday Clock was created by artist Martyl Langsdorf for the cover of the 1947 issue of Bulletin, which marked the first edition to be printed as a magazine instead of a newsletter.