Scientists Change Apocalypse Clock, Citing Global Risks in 2026

The symbolic apocalypse clock, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, has been moved to 85 seconds before midnight in 2026. This marks the closest point to global catastrophe since the Doomsday Clock’s creation in 1947, signaling deepening concern over rising threats to humanity.

The clock, intended to reflect how near the world is to irreversible disaster, is updated annually by a group of leading scientists and security experts. Midnight on the clock represents a theoretical point at which human activity renders the planet uninhabitable. In recent years, the time has inched closer to that hour, driven by a range of escalating dangers.

The latest shift follows previous time settings of 90 seconds in both 2023 and 2024, and 89 seconds in 2022, which was then a record. The 2026 change reflects scientists’ growing alarm over nuclear risks, worsening climate conditions, biological threats, and unregulated advances in technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Rising threats push Doomsday Clock toward midnight

Alexandra Bell, president and CEO of the Bulletin, said humanity has failed to make enough progress on addressing these existential threats. She described the clock as a tool to warn how dangerously close the world is to self-inflicted catastrophe, with time running out and the risks steadily increasing.

Daniel Holz, chair of the Bulletin’s science and security board, said international tensions have worsened instead of improving. He pointed to a rise in nationalism and military operations involving nuclear-armed nations throughout 2025.

BREAKING: The “Doomsday Clock” has moved to 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it’s ever been. pic.twitter.com/SOO3Vzn8Qo

— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) January 27, 2026

He also noted that the last remaining treaty limiting U.S. and Russian nuclear stockpiles is set to expire in February, potentially removing the final barrier to a new arms race.

Holz raised further concern over developments in synthetic biology, including the creation of mirror life forms, calling these advancements dangerous and poorly regulated. He said the world remains unprepared for large-scale biological threats.

Artificial intelligence and the apocalypse clock

Artificial intelligence was also cited as a key issue. Holz said the rapid expansion of AI without oversight has worsened the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories, weakening efforts to confront global crises.

The Bulletin was founded in 1945 by scientists involved in the Manhattan Project. It initially focused on nuclear threats but began including climate change in its calculations in 2007. The Doomsday Clock’s time is set each year with input from its board of sponsors, which includes several Nobel laureates.

Rachel Bronson, senior adviser and former CEO, said midnight would mean the collapse of civilization due to war or climate disaster. She added that moving the clock back is still possible, as seen in 1991 when it shifted to 17 minutes before midnight after nuclear arms agreements between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Experts urged the public to stay informed, start conversations, and take personal steps to reduce harm, including changes in daily habits to lessen environmental impact.