You know what the Doomsday Clock is, right? Well, if you don’t:
The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic clock face that represents how close humanity is to self-destruction through existential threats like nuclear war, climate change, bioweapons, and disruptive technologies.
It was created in 1947, and it’s measured in “minutes to midnight” — with midnight symbolizing global catastrophe.
The fine folks at The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a group of scientists who worked on the Manhattan Project, wanted to warn the public about the dangers of nuclear weapons.
It matters because it’s a visual metaphor for how close humanity is to wiping itself out, based on scientific assessments of global risks.
The clock has been adjusted over 25 times since its creation, reflecting everything from nuclear tests to climate change and AI risks. As of 2025, it’s getting close — we’re 89 seconds away.
Predictions put the odds of a nuclear detonation happening in 2025 pretty low — 17% — but that’s certainly a nonzero chance.
Here’s a history of the nuclear bomb … and the fallout (pun intended).
The Dawn of the Nuclear Age
Trinity Test (July 16, 1945): The first-ever nuclear detonation conducted by the United States in New Mexico, marking the beginning of the atomic era.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki (August 1945): The only use of nuclear weapons in warfare, leading to immense destruction and loss of life.
Proliferation of Nuclear Testing
Total Tests Conducted: Over 2,000 nuclear tests have been carried out globally since 1945.
Major Testing Nations: United States, Soviet Union/Russia, United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, and North Korea.
Atmospheric Testing and Fallout
Atmospheric Tests: Approximately 528 atmospheric nuclear tests were conducted, releasing radioactive materials into the environment.
Health Impacts: Increased rates of cancer and other health issues observed in populations exposed to fallout.
Underground Testing
Shift to Underground Tests: To minimize atmospheric fallout, many nations moved tests underground.
Environmental Concerns: Despite being underground, these tests have led to groundwater contamination and other ecological issues.
Notable Test Sites
Nevada Test Site (USA): Site of numerous tests, including the “Sedan” test, which created a massive crater.
Semipalatinsk Test Site (Kazakhstan): Used by the Soviet Union, leading to long-term health effects in nearby communities.
Time
The Pacific Proving Grounds
Bikini and Enewetak Atolls: Used by the United States for testing, resulting in displacement of local populations and lasting environmental damage.
Castle Bravo Test (1954): One of the largest U.S. tests, leading to significant unintended fallout.
Global Fallout and Health Effects
Downwinders: Communities affected by nuclear test fallout, experiencing higher rates of cancer and other illnesses.
Genetic Impacts: Studies indicate potential genetic mutations in populations exposed to radiation.
International Response and Treaties
Partial Test Ban Treaty (1963): Prohibited nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater.
PMC
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (1996): Aims to ban all nuclear explosions, though not yet in force due to pending ratifications.
Legacy and Remediation Efforts
Environmental Cleanup: Ongoing efforts to remediate contaminated test sites.
Compensation Programs: Initiatives to compensate affected individuals, such as the U.S. Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.
The Path Forward
Continued Vigilance: Monitoring and enforcing nuclear non-proliferation agreements remain crucial.
Public Awareness: Educating future generations about the impacts of nuclear testing to prevent recurrence.
