‘Doomsday Clock’ Moves 85 Seconds Closer To Midnight, Scientists Warn Of Rising Existential Risks

Last Updated:January 27, 2026, 21:26 IST

The ‘Doomsday Clock’ is a symbol used to show how close humanity is to self-destruction.

Doomsday Clock hits closest point in nearly 80 years.

The ‘Doomsday Clock’ has been moved to 85 seconds to midnight, its closest point to catastrophe since it was created nearly 80 years ago. The change was announced on Tuesday.

The clock is a symbol used to show how close humanity is to self-destruction.

What scientists said?

Alexandra Bell, president and chief executive of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, said humanity has failed to reduce the dangers it faces. “Humanity has not made sufficient progress on the existential risks that endanger us all," she said.

Last year, the clock was set at 89 seconds to midnight.

History of the ‘Doomsday Clock’

The Bulletin first introduced the ‘Doomsday Clock’ in 1947, after the United States used atomic bombs on Japan during World War II. The group says the clock aims to help develop ideas to reduce threats that could end human civilisation.

Over the years, the clock’s minute hand has been moved more than two dozen times.

The clock was farthest from midnight in 1991, when it stood at 17 minutes to midnight. This followed the end of the Cold War and the signing of a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Rising risks in recent years

In the 2020s, the clock began moving closer to midnight again. In 2020, it was set at 100 seconds to midnight, with the bulletin citing cyber-enabled information warfare alongside nuclear and climate threats.

The clock remained unchanged for two years. In 2023, it moved to 90 seconds to midnight, mainly due to the dangers linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. It stayed at that position in 2024.

Last year, the clock was moved one second closer, with the Bulletin stating that world leaders had failed to act despite clear signs of danger.

News world ‘Doomsday Clock’ Moves 85 Seconds Closer To Midnight, Scientists Warn Of Rising Existential Risks

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