Doomsday Clock Moves to 85 Seconds to Midnight, Closest Point to Catastrophe Since Debut

The Doomsday Clock has been set to 85 seconds to midnight for 2026, marking the closest it has ever been to impending doom.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:47pm

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The Doomsday Clock, a symbolic clock created by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists to represent the likelihood of a human-caused global catastrophe, has been set to 85 seconds to midnight for 2026. This is the closest the clock has ever been to midnight, indicating that the world is facing the greatest threats to humanity's existence since the clock's debut in 1947. Concerns contributing to this decision include climate change, disruptive technologies, and nuclear weapons.

Why it matters

The Doomsday Clock is a widely recognized indicator of the world's vulnerability to catastrophe. Its movement closer to midnight reflects the growing dangers facing humanity, including the increasing threat of nuclear war, the worsening climate crisis, and the potential misuse of emerging technologies. This stark warning calls for urgent action from global leaders to address these existential risks and work towards a safer, more secure future.

The details

The Doomsday Clock was set to 85 seconds to midnight for 2026, the closest it has ever been to the metaphorical 'midnight' representing global catastrophe. This decision was made by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' Science and Security Board, citing concerns over the continued buildup of nuclear arsenals, the rise of disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence, and the growing threat of climate change and biological threats. The organization called for immediate action from world leaders to limit nuclear weapons, establish international guidelines on emerging technologies, and strengthen multilateral cooperation to address global challenges.

  • The Doomsday Clock was set to 85 seconds to midnight for 2026.
  • In 2025, the clock was set to 89 seconds to midnight, which was also a record at the time.

The players

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

A nonprofit organization focused on global security and science, which created and maintains the Doomsday Clock.

Albert Einstein

One of the founders of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists in 1945.

J. Robert Oppenheimer

One of the founders of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists in 1945.

Daniel Holz

A professor at the University of Chicago who emphasized the increasing dangers of the rise of nationalistic autocracies around the world.

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What they’re saying

“Change is both necessary and possible, but the global community must demand swift action from their leaders.”

— Rachel Bronson, President and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

“Our greatest challenges require international trust and cooperation, and a world splintering into 'us versus them' will leave all of humanity more vulnerable.”

— Daniel Holz, Professor at the University of Chicago

What’s next

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has called for urgent action from world leaders to address the growing threats to humanity, including limiting nuclear arsenals, creating international guidelines on the use of AI, and forming multilateral agreements to address global biological threats.

The takeaway

The Doomsday Clock's movement to a record-breaking 85 seconds to midnight serves as a stark warning that the world is facing unprecedented existential risks. This calls for immediate, coordinated global action to reduce nuclear threats, mitigate climate change, and responsibly govern emerging technologies in order to ensure a safer future for all.