Doomsday Clock

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has recently moved the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight, which is the closest the world has ever been to global catastrophe. This change highlights increasing concerns about nuclear risks, climate change, and emerging technologies.

About the Doomsday Clock

The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic clock that represents how close humanity is to a global catastrophe. In this framework, midnight signifies complete annihilation or “doomsday.”

The clock functions as a metaphor:

• The hand moves closer to midnight when threats increase

• It moves away from midnight when global conditions improve

Thus, it serves as a warning tool for humanity about existential dangers.

History and Development

The Doomsday Clock was created in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.

• At the time of its creation, it was set at 7 minutes to midnight

• Since then, it has been reset 27 times

• In January 2026, it was adjusted to 85 seconds before midnight, marking the most critical position ever recorded

This reflects the growing intensity of global threats over time.

Factors Affecting the Clock

The position of the clock is determined by evaluating major global risks, such as:

• Nuclear weapons proliferation

• Climate change

• Disruptive and emerging technologies

These factors collectively influence the assessment of global security.

About the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS)

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is a nonprofit organization established to inform the public about serious global threats, especially those related to nuclear weapons.

Origin

It was founded in September 1945 by the Atomic Scientists of Chicago at the University of Chicago, soon after the development of atomic weapons.

Founding Members

Its founding members included renowned scientists associated with the Manhattan Project, such as:

• Albert Einstein

• J. Robert Oppenheimer

• Eugene Rabinowitch

Purpose and Significance

The primary aim of the Bulletin is to warn humanity about the dangers of advanced technologies, particularly nuclear weapons.

It published its first newsletter in December 1945, initiating efforts to:

• Raise public awareness

• Influence global policy decisions