Doomsday Clock Moves Closer to Midnight in 2026, Signaling Rising Global Peril

The Doomsday Clock, the symbolic measure of global existential threats maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, has been moved closer to midnight for 2026. The clock is now set at a mere 85 seconds to midnight, marking one of the most perilous assessments in its history and underscoring a deteriorating outlook for humanity's safety.

This adjustment by the independent scientific advisory board cites several converging crises as primary drivers. Heightened nuclear risks stemming from increased geopolitical tensions, the breakdown of international arms control agreements, and ongoing conflicts involving major powers have significantly elevated the threat of catastrophic conflict. Concurrently, the accelerating climate emergency, characterised by extreme weather events and insufficient global action to reduce emissions, continues to present a severe and growing planetary danger.

Scientists also pointed to the destabilising influence of emerging technologies, including the misuse of artificial intelligence and cyber threats, as well as pervasive misinformation that undermines public trust and effective governance. The clock's movement serves as a stark, evidence-based warning that the world is facing a moment of unprecedented compound risk, requiring urgent diplomatic engagement, renewed cooperation on climate, and a recommitment to reducing nuclear arsenals to turn back from the brink.