World
The Doomsday Clock, a globally recognized symbol of humanity's vulnerability to existential threats, has been a stark reminder of the precarious state of the world since its creation in 1947. Rachel Bronson, President and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, has been at the forefront of this conversation, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address global risks such as nuclear weapons, climate change, and disruptive technologies.
What is the Doomsday Clock?
The Doomsday Clock was conceived by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists as a metaphorical gauge of how close humanity is to self-destruction. Midnight on the clock represents global catastrophe, while the minutes—or now seconds—before midnight indicate humanity's proximity to disaster. The clock's time is adjusted annually based on an assessment by experts in science, security, and policy, with input from Nobel laureates and other distinguished advisors.
Since its inception, the clock has fluctuated between 17 minutes to midnight in 1991—following significant arms reduction agreements—and its current setting of 89 seconds to midnight in 2025. This is the closest it has ever been to symbolic doom, reflecting escalating threats from nuclear tensions, climate change, and emerging technologies12.
Rachel Bronson's Leadership and Perspective
Rachel Bronson has led the Bulletin since 2015, overseeing its publishing programs and managing the Doomsday Clock. Under her leadership, the organization has broadened its focus beyond nuclear threats to include climate change and disruptive technologies as critical factors influencing global security. Bronson has consistently highlighted that these interconnected risks demand immediate and coordinated action from governments and communities worldwide35.
In recent years, Bronson has described humanity as living in a time of "unprecedented danger." The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, modernization of nuclear arsenals by major powers like the U.S., Russia, and China, and rising nuclear tensions involving countries such as North Korea and India have significantly heightened risks. Simultaneously, climate change continues to exacerbate extreme weather events and resource scarcity, further destabilizing global security46.
The 2025 Update: A Stark Warning
In January 2025, the Bulletin moved the clock forward by one second to 89 seconds to midnight. This adjustment reflects a worsening global landscape marked by insufficient progress in mitigating existential threats. Bronson reiterated that this decision is not merely symbolic but a call to action for policymakers and citizens alike. She emphasized that while technological advancements offer hope—such as innovations in renewable energy—the window for meaningful intervention is rapidly closing24.
Bronson also pointed out that public engagement is crucial. Younger generations have shown remarkable activism on climate issues, but sustained pressure on leaders is essential to reverse dangerous trends. "The Doomsday Clock is sounding an alarm for humanity," she said. "We must act decisively before it's too late"35.
A Call for Global Action
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists was founded by scientists who worked on the Manhattan Project during World War II. They felt a moral obligation to inform the public about man-made threats to human existence. Today, Bronson carries forward this legacy by urging governments to prioritize diplomacy over conflict and invest in sustainable solutions.
As Bronson often states, "The clock is not just a measure of danger; it’s a measure of urgency." With humanity now closer than ever to metaphorical midnight, her message resonates as both a warning and a rallying cry for collective action.
Sources:
Rachel Bronson et al., Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
https://thebulletin.org/2023/01/press-release-doomsday-clock-set-at-90-seconds-to-midnight/
Wikipedia contributors
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doomsday_Clock