The "Doomsday Clock" has been moved again. What does this mean?

On January 27, scientists switched the "Doomsday Clock", which reflects the level of tension associated with the nuclear threat. Now their hands show 85 seconds to "nuclear midnight". All the details are in the Izvestia article.

What is the "Doomsday Clock" for?

The Doomsday Clock, created in 1947, serves as a metaphor for the threat of global self-destruction. They were introduced by the American journal Bulletin of Atomic Scientists to draw humanity's attention to the threats of nuclear weapons.

Initially, the hands of the clock were set at seven minutes to midnight, which symbolized the proximity of humanity to the "nuclear midnight" — the moment of the catastrophe. The time was determined by Evgeny Rabinovich, editor of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, and later, in 1973, this right passed to the Council for Science and Security.

Discussions of threats relevant to humanity take place twice a year, where scientists and experts assess nuclear, climate and technological risks. The Council also consults with other scientists, including 13 Nobel laureates. In recent years, factors related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) have been taken into account.

What threats does the Clock respond to?

According to experts, since 2007, not only nuclear weapons have been added to the list of threats, but also climate change caused by human activity. By 2019, the problem of climate change had worsened. Carbon dioxide emissions contributing to global warming were increasing. To prevent the worst-case scenario, it was necessary not only to reduce emissions, but to reduce them to zero.

The problem of the decomposition of the information ecosystem is also highlighted. Lies broadcast through the media undermine trust in science and democratic institutions, the Science and Security Council clarifies. This, according to scientists, exacerbates the solution of other global problems, making them even more complex.

How the time of the "Doomsday" changed

In 1953, after the American and Soviet thermonuclear weapon tests, there were two minutes left on the clock until midnight. In 1960, the time increased to seven minutes: experts noted the interaction of scientists and the hope for the desire of the USSR and the United States to avoid direct confrontation.

At the same time, the Caribbean crisis of 1962 did not affect the "Doomsday Clock" — the next time the hands were turned only in 1963, and the time increased to 12 minutes. The experts explained their choice by the signing of the treaty between the USSR and the USA on the prohibition of nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, outer space and under water.

Three minutes to midnight was exhibited in 1984. The Council noted the "coldest point" in relations between the USSR and the United States, as well as fears of a new arms race.

Things were best in 1991 — 17 minutes to midnight. Then the Bulletin mentioned the end of the Cold War and the START treaty. Since then, the time remaining until midnight has been shortened, with the exception of a slight setback in 2010, when scientists pointed to new arms limitation negotiations.

In 2018, the clock returned to two minutes to midnight: experts stated "the inability of world leaders to cope with the greatest threats to the future of humanity." In 2020 and 2021, the expert council set 100 seconds to midnight due to the risks of nuclear war, climate change and the development of disinformation.

In 2023 and 2024, the hands of the clock moved to the "90 seconds to midnight" position. The Bulletin called the situation a "time of unprecedented danger," mentioning the conflict in Ukraine, the persistence of climate-related threats, and the destruction of global norms and institutions necessary to mitigate other risks.

In January 2025, the hands of the Doomsday Clock were moved by one second. They showed 89 seconds to "nuclear midnight." Daniel Holtz, Chairman of the Bulletin's Science and Security Council, said that moving the arrows forward is a signal and a warning, because the world is already close to a nuclear conflict.

Scientists also switched the "Doomsday clock" on January 27, 2026, and now its hands show 85 seconds to "nuclear midnight." Experts have concluded that humanity has not made significant progress in eliminating existential risks in a year.

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