Doomsday Clock Ticks Closer Than Ever to Apocalypse

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by John YoonJanuary 28, 2026 at 12:57 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

The Doomsday Clock, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, was set to 85 seconds to midnight on Tuesday, the closest it has ever been to symbolizing global catastrophe. The Bulletin, comprised of experts in global security, climate, and nuclear science, cited factors like rising tensions between nuclear powers, climate inaction, disruptive technologies, and the increase in autocratic governments. The clock, created in 1947, serves as a metaphor for humanity's proximity to self-destruction. The Bulletin's president urged global leaders to take swift action to mitigate these risks. Antinuclear activists, including those working with atomic bombing survivors, emphasized the urgent need to avoid global catastrophe, noting the heightened risk of nuclear war.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Soviet Union 30% Albert Einstein 30% United States 40% World War II 40% Cold War 40% Washington 40% Japan 50% Carnegie Endowment for International Peace 50% Hideo Asano 50% Alexandra Bell 60% Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists ×590% Doomsday Clock ×6100%

Keywords

doomsday clock 100% climate change 80% nuclear war 70% autocracy 60% disruptive technologies 60% bulletin of the atomic scientists 50% global catastrophe 50% nuclear arms race 40%