Doomsday Clock now at 85 seconds to midnight

Doomsday Clock Update

The “Doomsday Clock” has been moved to 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it has been to catastrophe since its inception nearly 80 years ago, according to Alexandra Bell, president of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. The clock, which was last set at 89 seconds, reflects humanity’s insufficient progress against existential threats, including nuclear risks and climate change. Historically, the clock has been adjusted over two dozen times, with its furthest point being 17 minutes from midnight in 1991. Recent movements have been influenced by geopolitical tensions, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, highlighting a failure by leaders to address escalating dangers.