The Doomsday Clock, one of the most recognizable symbols of global peril, is set to make headlines again. On January 28th, 2025, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists will unveil the new time for the Doomsday Clock in Washington, DC. This annual ritual is not just a marker of time but a sobering reflection of humanity’s progress—or regression—in confronting existential threats.
Doomsday Clock Logo
Since its creation in 1947, the Doomsday Clock has been a metaphorical countdown to global catastrophe. Born from the minds of Albert Einstein, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and other scientists who developed the first atomic weapons during the Manhattan Project, the Clock was initially a response to the threat of nuclear war. Over the decades, its scope has expanded to include dangers posed by climate change, biological risks, and disruptive technologies. The closer the Clock’s hands move to midnight, the greater the peril.
Today, the Doomsday Clock is by the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board (SASB) in consultation with its Board of Sponsors, which includes nine Nobel laureates. Considering many global challenges, this esteemed group assesses humanity’s vulnerability to catastrophe. For 2025, these include nuclear proliferation, artificial intelligence, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, escalating conflicts in the Middle East, bio-threats, and the worsening climate crisis. These interconnected issues paint a picture of a fragile world, teetering on the edge of disaster.
The Science and Security Board: Experts at the Forefront
The SASB comprises internationally recognized leaders in science, policy, and security. They bring deep expertise to the complex task of evaluating the global landscape. In previous years, the Clock’s setting has captured international attention, with notable figures like former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and former Irish President Mary Robinson lending their voices to this urgent call for action.
This year’s announcement promises to be no less consequential. As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges—from the rapid advancements and ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence to the stark realities of a warming planet—the Clock’s setting will serve as both a warning and a rallying cry for change.
Exclusive Interviews on KSVY Sonoma 91.3 FM
Rachel Bronson - President & CEO Bulletin of Atomic Scientists
I will host two exclusive interviews on my morning show on KSVY Sonoma 91.3 FM in anticipation of this momentous event. These conversations will delve into the critical issues shaping the Doomsday Clock’s 2025 setting and its broader implications for humanity.
On Thursday, January 16th, at 8:40 AM, I’ll speak with Rachel Bronson, President and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Dr. Bronson has been at the helm of this vital organization, guiding its mission to educate the public and policymakers about the dangers we face. Her insights will provide a window into the rigorous process behind setting the Clock and the key factors influencing this year’s decision.
The following week, on Thursday, January 23rd, at 9:00 AM, I’ll be joined by Scott Yundt, Executive Director of Tri-Valley CAREs. Near the Livermore National Laboratory, this grassroots organization has steadfastly advocated nuclear disarmament and environmental justice. Mr. Yundt will illuminate the local and global impacts of nuclear weapons development and the urgent need for activism in the face of mounting threats.
Both interviews will be broadcast live on KSVY Sonoma 91.3 FM and streamed worldwide at ksvy.org. They promise to be enlightening and thought-provoking, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the critical issues shaping our collective future.
Why the Doomsday Clock Matters
The Doomsday Clock is more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a call to action. Its annual setting serves as a stark reminder of the choices humanity faces and the consequences of inaction. As we approach January 28th, the world waits with bated breath to see whether the Clock will move closer to or further from midnight. Will we rise to the challenges before us, or will we continue down a path of increasing danger?
Join me over the next two weeks as we explore these questions with leading experts. Together, let’s confront the urgent issues that shape our world and work toward a safer, more sustainable future. Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the conversation.