Scientists have moved the Doomsday Clock closer to midnight than ever before, warning that the world is now only 85 seconds away from catastrophe. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, highlighting growing global dangers that threaten humanity’s future.
Midnight on the clock symbolises the point at which Earth becomes uninhabitable for humans.
This new setting marks the closest the clock has ever been to midnight since it was first created in 1947.
Why the Doomsday Clock Was Moved in 2026
Last year, the clock stood at 89 seconds to midnight, already a record at the time. However, scientists say the situation has continued to worsen due to lack of meaningful global action.
According to the Bulletin, the decision to move the clock forward was based on several escalating risks, including:
Rising nuclear threats
Worsening climate change
Growing biological dangers
Unregulated advances in artificial intelligence
Rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation
“Every Second Counts”
Alexandra Bell, President and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, said the warning could not be clearer.
“Humanity has not made sufficient progress on the existential risks that endanger us all.
The risks we face from nuclear weapons, climate change and disruptive technologies are growing.
Every second counts, and we are running out of time.”
She added that while the message is uncomfortable, it reflects the reality the world now faces.
Nuclear Tensions and Global Conflict Raise Alarm
Dr Daniel Holz, Chair of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, said global cooperation has weakened rather than improved.
Instead of working together, many major powers have become:
More nationalistic
More adversarial
More militarily aggressive
Nuclear Arms Control at Risk
One of the biggest concerns is the imminent expiry of the last remaining nuclear arms treaty between the United States and Russia, set to end on 4 February.
Dr Holz warned:
There will soon be no limits on nuclear stockpiles
A new nuclear arms race could begin
Several current conflicts already involve nuclear-armed states
For the first time in over 50 years, there may be no international agreement preventing uncontrolled nuclear expansion.
Biological and Artificial Intelligence Threats Grow
Scientists also raised serious concerns about emerging biological risks, particularly in advanced life sciences.
Key biological dangers include:
Development of synthetic mirror life
Lack of global coordination or safety plans
Insufficient preparedness for future pandemics
At the same time, artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing with little regulation.
Dr Holz explained that AI:
Supercharges misinformation and conspiracy theories
Undermines trust in science and journalism
Makes solving global crises far more difficult
What Is the Doomsday Clock?
The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic tool created to show how close humanity is to self-destruction.
Key facts:
Created in 1947 by scientists involved in the Manhattan Project
Managed by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Originally focused on nuclear threats
Climate change added in 2007
Updated every year by leading experts
The time is set by the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, in consultation with its Board of Sponsors, which includes eight Nobel Prize winners.
Is the Doomsday Clock a Real Measure of Risk?
The clock is not a precise scientific measurement, but a powerful symbol designed to start conversations about global dangers.
Some experts have questioned its simplicity, but many still believe it plays an important role.
Dr Michael Mann, a climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, said:
“It’s an imperfect metaphor, but it remains an important reminder of how fragile our existence on this planet really is.”
The clock has even been referenced by world leaders. In 2021, then UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson mentioned it while addressing climate change at the UN Climate Conference in Glasgow.
What Happens If the Clock Reaches Midnight?
The clock has never reached midnight, and scientists hope it never will.
Former Bulletin CEO Rachel Bronson explained that midnight would mean:
A major nuclear exchange, or
Catastrophic climate change that wipes out humanity
“We never want to get there — and we may not even recognise the moment if we do.”
Can the Clock Be Turned Back?
Scientists stress that hope still exists.
In 1991, the clock was set 17 minutes to midnight, its safest position ever, after the US and Soviet Union signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
What Needs to Happen:
Strong international cooperation
Serious action on climate change
New agreements to control nuclear weapons
Global rules for AI and biotechnology
Protection of truth, facts and journalism
Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and CEO of Rappler, said:
“Without facts, there is no truth.
Without truth, there is no trust.
And without trust, collective action becomes impossible.”
What Can Individuals Do?
While global leaders hold great responsibility, individuals also play a role.
Simple actions that help:
Talk openly about global risks and fight misinformation
Walk more and drive less
Reduce energy use at home
Eat local and seasonal food
Cut food waste
Save water
Reduce plastic use and recycle properly
Small actions, when taken by millions, can still make a difference.
Final Thoughts
The Doomsday Clock 2026 warning is one of the strongest messages scientists have ever delivered. With just 85 seconds left, experts say the world must act urgently — together.
The future, they insist, is still in human hands.
References
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
CNN
University of Chicago
Union of Concerned Scientists
United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26)
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