The Doomsday Clock has moved closer to apocalypse than ever before, now sitting at just 85 seconds to midnight as scientists warn of unprecedented global threats facing humanity in 2026.

Scientists Sound Nuclear Warning

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced on January 27 that the symbolic clock advanced four seconds from its previous position. Daniel Holz, professor at the University of Chicago and chair of the Science and Security Board, delivered a stark assessment about nuclear dangers. He stated that for the first time in over fifty years, nothing prevents a runaway nuclear arms race between world powers.

is there any mathematical substance to this or is just a room full of alarmist theater kids https://t.co/JOAtpv2Gb0

— patagucci perf papi (@kenwheeler) January 28, 2026

The organization cited expiring nuclear treaties and military conflicts between nuclear-armed nations as primary concerns. Climate change continues without sufficient progress, while nationalistic autocracies gain influence worldwide. The rise of artificial intelligence has accelerated the spread of misinformation and disinformation across social media platforms.

Information Crisis Threatens Democracy

Maria Ressa, a Columbia University professor and Nobel Peace Prize winner, addressed the information warfare plaguing modern society. She described current conditions as an information armageddon, explaining that facts form the foundation of truth, and truth enables trust in democratic institutions. Without these elements, societies cannot function effectively or make informed decisions about critical issues.

It is fundamentally absurd to pretend we're closer to some civilization destroying event now than we were at the Cuban Missile Crisis. https://t.co/wZy7mVYgZ5

— Otto Von Tweetmarck (@OVTweetmarck) January 27, 2026

The Bulletin emphasized that generative AI technology remains largely uncontrolled, allowing bad actors to create sophisticated false narratives that undermine public confidence in legitimate institutions and democratic processes.

Call for Immediate Action

Alexandra Bell, president and CEO of the Bulletin, stressed that the clock serves as both a warning and a call to action. The organization maintains that humanity created these problems and possesses the ability to solve them before reaching the midnight hour, representing a global catastrophe. The Bulletin urges citizens to pressure their governments for immediate policy changes addressing nuclear proliferation, climate action, and information security measures.