Doomsday Clock set at 85 seconds to midnight, group says

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds before midnight and cited rising risks from nuclear war, climate change, AI and misuse of biotechnology, alongside growing nationalism and great-power competition.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced that the Doomsday Clock is now set at 85 seconds to midnight. The group says this shift reflects growing threats such as nuclear conflict, accelerating climate change, disruptive technologies like AI, and the misuse of biotechnology. It also pointed to rising nationalism and intensifying competition among major powers as factors eroding international cooperation. Key points: - The clock was moved to 85 seconds to midnight for 2026, compared with 89 seconds in 2025. - The group cited nuclear war risks, climate change, AI threats, and misuse of biotechnology as main drivers of the decision. - Officials said international cooperation is declining and that great-power competition and nationalistic rhetoric have increased risk. - The Bulletin outlined measures it views as important, including preventing AI-driven biological threats, expanded renewable energy development in the United States, and multilateral discussions among the U.S., Russia and China about limits on military use of artificial intelligence. Summary: The Bulletin warned that catastrophic risks are rising while cooperation is weakening and urged political leaders to address these trends. Undetermined at this time.