The Doomsday Clock's dire warning for humanity

Global Watch | 2026-02-03

On January 27, 2026, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds before midnight, the closest it has ever been to the theoretical point of annihilation.

This symbolic clock, created in 1947 to warn humanity about existential risks, now serves as a stark reminder of the growing dangers posed by nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, climate change and global instability.

The decision to move the clock closer to midnight reflects a year of escalating threats. From Russia's continued war in Ukraine to China's nuclear expansion and rising tensions in Asia, the risks of global disaster have reached unprecedented levels.

The scientists also highlighted the unregulated integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into military systems, its role in spreading disinformation and its potential misuse in creating biological threats.

Closer to catastrophe

The Bulletin's announcement emphasized the unsustainable and unacceptably high risk of nuclear conflict.

Longstanding diplomatic frameworks designed to prevent nuclear proliferation are under duress or collapsing, while major powers continue to engage in aggressive and nationalistic behavior.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, has been a key driver of nuclear rhetoric. Among the weapons Russia has deployed is the nuclear-capable hypersonic Oreshnik missile, which was recently stationed in Belarus to enhance Moscow's ability to strike targets across Europe. This move, coupled with Russia's rhetoric about nuclear readiness, and Russian desperation has heightened fears.

China's nuclear ambitions are also a growing concern. While no country has conducted explosive nuclear testing in over 25 years, China's push to expand its arsenal raises questions about whether such testing could resume.

The Korean Peninsula remains tense, with North Korea's nuclear capabilities continuing to pose a threat, while border clashes between India and Pakistan add another layer of instability to the global nuclear landscape.

Meanwhile, AI has emerged as a new and dangerous frontier in global security.

The scientists warned about the unregulated integration of AI into military systems, which could lead to catastrophic consequences. AI's ability to aid in the creation of biological threats and its role in spreading disinformation globally are particularly alarming.

Maria Ressa, a 2021 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, described the current state of information as an "Armageddon," driven by technology that circulates lies faster than facts.

"We are living through an information Armageddon that’s brought about by the technology that rules our lives, from social media to generative AI," Ressa said during an announcement for the Bulletin.

The misuse of AI in military and information systems undermines trust, destabilizes societies and increases the likelihood of conflict. Without proper regulation and oversight, AI could become a tool for destruction rather than progress.

Nuclear rhetoric

The Doomsday Clock's movement is not just a reflection of technological and geopolitical risks -- it is a condemnation of global leadership.

The scientists pointed to a "winner-takes-all great power competition" that has undermined international cooperation. Russia, China and other major powers have prioritized saber rattling over collective efforts to reduce existential risks.

This failure to collaborate has left the world vulnerable to nuclear war, AI-related hazards and the misuse of biotechnology. The fraying of arms control agreements, and the unchecked spread of disinformation are all symptoms of a global system that is failing to address its most pressing challenges.

The Doomsday Clock's movement to 85 seconds before midnight is a wake-up call for humanity. It is a reminder that the risks we face are interconnected and require urgent action.

From nuclear disarmament to AI regulation, the solutions to these challenges demand cooperation, transparency and leadership.