Doomsday Clock Edges Closest To Midnight In Human History – Here’s What It Means

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has moved its symbolic Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds before midnight, the closest it has ever been to the point representing global catastrophe. The group cited rising nuclear dangers, worsening climate impacts, emerging biological risks and the rapid spread of artificial intelligence without strong safeguards.

The new setting comes after the clock was placed at 89 seconds to midnight last year. While that figure circulated widely online, including in social media posts, the Bulletin’s latest decision pushes the clock four seconds closer, underscoring its view that global risks are intensifying.

Created in 1947, the Doomsday Clock is not a literal timer but a way for the Bulletin to communicate how close it believes humanity is to existential threats. In recent years, the organisation shifted from minutes to seconds, arguing that dangers are accelerating and interacting more tightly.

The Bulletin said deteriorating relations between major powers are undermining cooperation needed to reduce risk. It warned that long-standing international agreements and norms are eroding, while political leaders increasingly pursue confrontational policies.

Nuclear risk remains central to the assessment. Ongoing wars, tensions involving nuclear-armed states, and pressure on arms control frameworks were cited as key factors, with scientists warning that miscalculation under current conditions is more likely.

Climate change was highlighted as a compounding threat, with rising temperatures, extreme weather and slow emissions reductions adding strain to global stability. The group stressed that climate risks now interact closely with security and humanitarian challenges.

The Bulletin also raised concerns about biotechnology and artificial intelligence. It warned that poorly regulated AI, especially in military systems and disinformation, could reduce human oversight and amplify crises. The clock’s move is intended as a warning, not a prediction, urging leaders to act together to lower risk.