Overview
- Atomic scientists placed the clock at 85 seconds to midnight, the closest setting since its creation in 1947.
- The assessment cites escalating nuclear dangers, worsening climate indicators, and disruptive technologies including AI and biotechnology as key drivers.
- Conflicts in 2025 factored into the move, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, India–Pakistan clashes in May, and U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in June.
- The looming expiration of the U.S.–Russia New START treaty in early February 2026 was flagged as removing a major restraint on a potential arms race.
- The Bulletin paired the warning with steps such as renewing U.S.–Russia nuclear talks, adopting safeguards against AI-enabled biological threats, setting military AI guidelines, and incentivizing reduced fossil-fuel dependence.