Humanity Is Only 85 Seconds from Extinction: The “Doomsday Clock” Warns People to Wake Up | WPN World People News

The “Doomsday Clock,” regarded as an indicator of humanity’s potential extinction, was moved forward by another four seconds on the 27th, leaving just 85 seconds to “midnight,” which symbolizes the end of the world. This marks the closest the clock has ever been to midnight since it was first established in 1947, highlighting the severe challenges facing humanity’s survival.

The *Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists* pointed out that today’s global crises include a renewed nuclear arms race. The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) is set to expire on February 5 this year, and there are currently no follow-up agreements among nuclear-armed states to limit the development of nuclear weapons. In addition, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced last October the restart of nuclear testing procedures, further increasing the risk of human extinction.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence has made weapons more lethal. If AI were misused in the development of biological or chemical weapons, it could lead to uncontrollable biological threats and even extinction. At the same time, the widespread presence of AI-generated information has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood, eroding public trust in facts and making international cooperation to address crises more difficult. Maria Ressa, a recipient of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, warned with concern that the world is entering an era of “Information Armageddon.”

Regional conflicts continue unabated. The Russia–Ukraine war, instability in the Middle East, tensions between India and Pakistan, and the Taiwan Strait crisis remain major global flashpoints. In addition, climate change remains a powerful force pushing the clock forward. In 2025, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and global sea levels both reached historic highs, while droughts, wildfires, and floods continue to worsen. Yet countries have failed to take substantive action to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

The Bulletin emphasized that the Doomsday Clock is not a prophecy, but a call to action. It expresses hope that through diplomatic negotiations, limiting nuclear weapons and the militarization of AI, investing in renewable energy, and building international trust, it is still possible to turn the clock back.