Key Takeaways

• A leading ethics philosopher warns that the Doomsday Clock may tick closer to midnight.
• President Trump’s policies on climate, nuclear arms, and technology drive new risks.
• The clock stands at 89 seconds to midnight, its closest point ever.
• Experts say urgent global cooperation is needed to stop the threat.

A prominent ethics philosopher wrote a new essay warning about growing dangers. He argues that President Trump’s policies made the world more unstable. As a result, the Doomsday Clock now sits at 89 seconds to midnight. That is its nearest point ever. This symbolic clock measures how close humanity stands to global disaster. It tracks threats like nuclear war, climate change, and emerging technologies. According to the philosopher, Trump-era decisions on rollbacks and tensions worsen each risk. Therefore, without swift action, the clock may inch even closer to midnight.

Why the Doomsday Clock Matters

The Doomsday Clock began in 1947. It uses “minutes to midnight” to show how grave our risks are. Midnight means a global catastrophe. Thus, fewer seconds left signal greater danger. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists sets the clock each year. They consult experts in nuclear science, climate research, and technology. In recent years, that panel has raised alarms on multiple fronts. Moreover, the clock has never been this close to midnight. That record high warning shows how fragile our safety has become. Consequently, many view it as a call for urgent change.

Trump’s Impact on Global Risks

In his essay, the philosopher points out how Trump’s actions affect world stability. First, the United States withdrew from key climate agreements. As a result, efforts to curb global warming slowed down. Second, the administration cut funding for renewable energy research. Thus, clean technology development lost momentum. Third, Trump pushed for new nuclear weapons and relaxed treaties. This move raised fears of an arms buildup with other nations. Finally, the president’s rhetoric on tech regulation remained vague. That left many experts worried about unregulated risks from AI and bioengineering. Overall, these policies combine to push the Doomsday Clock closer to midnight.

Climate Rollback and Existential Threats

The essay warns that climate rollback adds a major threat to survival. Rising temperatures bring extreme weather events, wildfires, and floods. Those disasters can disrupt food, water, and infrastructure. Moreover, melting ice caps raise sea levels, endangering coastal cities. In addition, unchecked carbon emissions speed up global heating. Meanwhile, the philosopher stresses that technology risks also matter. Artificial intelligence and synthetic biology hold great promise. However, without safeguards, they could lead to accidents or misuse. Furthermore, nuclear tensions under Trump’s watch challenge decades of arms control. Consequently, the Doomsday Clock read 89 seconds to midnight solely because these factors combined.

What Could Bring the Clock Back

Despite the warnings, the philosopher offers paths to move the clock backward. First, he calls for renewed climate partnerships. In this step, nations must rejoin global pacts and set stronger emissions targets. Second, he urges the U.S. to reinvest in green energy research and infrastructure. Doing so could accelerate the shift to clean power. Third, he recommends restoring nuclear treaties and launching new arms control talks. Experts believe this will reduce the risk of large-scale conflict. Fourth, he suggests clear regulations for emerging technologies. This includes safe AI development standards and strict controls on biological experiments. By following these steps, the Doomsday Clock could tick away from midnight again.

Time for Action

In his Substack essay, the philosopher emphasizes that time is running out. He states that symbolic clocks matter only if they spur real change. Therefore, he encourages citizens, scientists, and leaders to speak up. He also stresses the need for global solidarity in the face of shared risks. Every policy choice today shapes tomorrow’s safety. Ultimately, only coordinated efforts can stop the world from sliding toward catastrophe. As the Doomsday Clock stands at its closest distance ever, the moment to act is now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the Doomsday Clock?

The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic tool that shows how close humanity is to disaster. It uses “minutes to midnight” to represent the level of threat from nuclear war, climate change, and other dangers.

Why did experts set the clock at 89 seconds to midnight?

Experts set the clock at 89 seconds because of factors like climate rollbacks, nuclear tensions, and unchecked technology. They believe these threats combined make the world more unstable than ever.

How do policies influence the Doomsday Clock?

Government policies affect international agreements, funding for clean energy, arms control, and technology rules. Positive changes can move the clock away from midnight, while rollbacks bring it closer.

Can the Doomsday Clock ever move backward?

Yes. The clock can move backward if nations restore treaties, boost climate action, and regulate risky technologies. Coordinated global efforts are key to improving safety.