This is the record closest time to the end of the world set by scientists since 1947, as noted in the release.
"In 2024, humanity was getting closer to catastrophe. Trends that deeply concerned the Science and Security Council continued, and despite unmistakable signs of danger, national leaders and their societies failed to take necessary actions to change course. Consequently, we are now moving the Doomsday Clock from 90 seconds to 89 seconds to midnight – the closest it has ever been to disaster," the statement reads.
The primary threats to humanity identified by scientists include Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.
"As for the nuclear risk, the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its third year, hangs over the world; the conflict could escalate to a nuclear situation at any moment due to a rash decision, an accident, or a miscalculation. The conflict in the Middle East threatens to spiral out of control into a large-scale war without warning," the scientists explained.
The press release mentions that the process of controlling nuclear weapons is deteriorating, and high-level contacts between nuclear states are completely inadequate given the existing dangers.
"It is concerning that for non-nuclear countries, considering the creation of their own arsenals is no longer unusual – actions that would undermine long-standing non-proliferation efforts and expand the possibilities for the onset of nuclear war," the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists noted.
They expressed concern that since Donald Trump was elected President of the United States, "climate change is being regarded as a low priority in the United States and many other countries."
Among other threats, scientists believe there is the emergence of new diseases and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, which has increased the risk that terrorists or nations could develop biological weapons for which there are no countermeasures.
According to them, the listed dangers significantly exacerbate the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories.