Key takeaways

• Philosopher Émile P. Torres warns that global dangers are growing fast.
• The Doomsday Clock may tick closer to midnight because of Trump’s choices.
• Pulling out of climate deals and foreign kidnappings add to worldwide risks.
• Torres fears the world will become even more unstable after Trump leaves office.

Doomsday Clock Faces New Threats

A well-known philosopher, Émile P. Torres, says our world is in serious trouble. In a recent essay on his Substack, he explains why the famous Doomsday Clock could move even closer to midnight. The clock, created in 1947, shows how near we are to a global disaster. Right now, it stands at 89 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been.

What is the Doomsday Clock?

The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic gauge that tracks humanity’s risk of destruction. Scientists manage it based on threats like nuclear war, climate change, and new technology. When the clock moves toward midnight, it means danger is rising. Conversely, moving it away from midnight signals hope and progress.

The clock began after World War II to warn people about nuclear weapons. Over time, experts added other dangers. Climate change, cyber attacks, and pandemics now all influence the clock. When it sits just 89 seconds from midnight, it warns that we face the highest level of risk in history.

Trump’s Actions and the Doomsday Clock

According to Torres, President Donald Trump’s decisions have increased global risk. First, he withdrew the United States from major climate agreements. This move weakens efforts to curb carbon emissions and slows progress against global warming. Without strong international cooperation, climate change will grow worse.

Moreover, Trump’s reported role in the kidnapping of a foreign leader—Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro—stirs international conflict. Such actions undermine trust between nations and raise fears of retaliation. As Torres points out, growing hostility can push the Doomsday Clock closer to midnight.

Transitioning from one threat to another, the philosopher notes that these factors alone might prompt clock keepers to move the minute hand forward by at least one second. However, Torres warns it could jump several seconds if things deteriorate further. He stresses that humanity now faces “a rapidly growing multiplicity of unprecedented global threats” and a “deteriorating international security situation.”

How Close Are We to Midnight?

Right now, the Doomsday Clock sits at 89 seconds to midnight. To put that in perspective, the record before this was 100 seconds in 2020. Experts say this is the most dangerous moment since the height of the Cold War. At that time, fears of nuclear war dominated the world. Today, we juggle nuclear risk, climate disasters, new tech threats, and political instability.

Furthermore, the climate crisis intensifies every year. Wildfires, droughts, and fierce storms show that the planet is changing fast. When one disaster happens, it can trigger others. For example, a heatwave can cause more wildfires, which release more greenhouse gases. This feedback loop could push the world toward irreversible damage.

In addition, advanced technology like artificial intelligence and cyber warfare poses new dangers. Weapons may become more precise but also more destructive. A single hacker could disable critical infrastructure. Therefore, experts worry about accidents or misuse that could spiral out of control.

A Bleak Future After Trump

Torres does not believe the world will get safer once Trump’s term ends. In fact, he predicts that this period might be the calmest we will see for decades. He writes, “I suspect that this is the least crazy the world will be for the rest of our lives, if only because of climate change and all the disastrous sequelae that comes with it.”

Climate change will outlast any presidency. Sea levels will rise, and extreme weather will become more common. People may face food and water shortages. These pressures could spark conflicts over resources. Consequently, international tension could worsen, further threatening global stability.

In addition, the political fallout from Trump’s actions may leave deep scars. Allies betrayed by policy shifts may hesitate to trust future U.S. leaders. Rival nations could see openings to expand their influence. Thus, a cycle of distrust and competition may follow, making cooperation on global issues harder.

What Can We Do?

Despite bleak predictions, Torres urges collective action. First, citizens can pressure leaders to rejoin climate accords and meet emission targets. Every vote and every protest can send a message that people demand real change.

Second, we must invest in renewable energy and green technology. By reducing our carbon footprint at home and in industry, we help push the Doomsday Clock away from midnight. Moreover, innovations in clean energy can create jobs and improve quality of life.

Third, global dialogue and diplomacy need a boost. Nations should build trust through shared projects, cultural exchanges, and transparent negotiations. When countries work side by side, they learn to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Lastly, individuals can stay informed and support ethical technology use. Whether it’s data privacy or AI safety, we need rules that protect people. Responsible innovation can drive progress without endangering lives.

Buckle Up for a Bumpy Ride

Torres’s warning is clear: we are hurtling toward greater danger. The Doomsday Clock may soon strike closer to midnight. Therefore, our actions today will shape tomorrow’s world. In his own words, “So, buckle up! Things are going to get even bumpier.”

Though the path ahead looks rocky, we still have choices. By uniting behind science, ethics, and environmental care, we can push back against growing threats. Each small step—recycling, voting, speaking out—counts. Together, we can slow the clock and build a safer future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does the Doomsday Clock measure?

The Doomsday Clock measures how close humanity is to global disaster. Experts set it based on threats like nuclear war, climate change, and new technologies.

Why did the clock move closer to midnight recently?

It moved because of rising tensions between nations, slow progress on climate change, and dangerous new tech. Experts felt these risks overshadowed any gains.

Can individual actions really affect the Doomsday Clock?

Yes. While the clock is a symbol, public pressure can push leaders to act on climate, peace, and technology rules. Collective efforts can slow down global threats.

Is there hope for moving the clock backward?

Absolutely. History shows the clock has moved backward after treaties or big environmental wins. Renewed cooperation on climate and disarmament can shift it away from midnight.