Doomsday Clock set at 85 seconds to midnight as scientists warn of rising risks

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight, four seconds closer than a year earlier, citing nuclear tensions, AI and other disruptive technologies, climate change and biosecurity. The board said international cooperation is weakening.

Scientists with the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' Science and Security Board moved the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight in their 2026 statement. This is four seconds closer than in January 2025 and continues a trend that brought the clock from minutes to seconds in recent years. The board cited nuclear tensions, disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, climate change and biological risks, and said international cooperation has eroded. Key points: - The clock is set to 85 seconds to midnight, four seconds closer than January 2025. - Officials named nuclear weapons, AI and other disruptive technologies, climate change, and biological risks as primary concerns. - The board reported that global cooperation has weakened amid rising geopolitical tensions. Summary: The Bulletin says these trends increase the likelihood of serious outcomes and reflect deteriorating diplomatic frameworks. Undetermined at this time.