Who Sets the Doomsday Clock?

Published: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 9:15 pm

Doomsday Clock Ticks Closer to Midnight

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' Doomsday Clock, a symbolic representation of humanity's proximity to global catastrophe, is set annually by the organization's Science and Security Board. The clock, currently at 85 seconds to midnight, reflects the board's assessment of escalating threats, including nuclear weapons, climate change, disruptive technologies, and biological threats. The clock's setting is determined through a rigorous process involving expert analysis, discussions, and voting.

The board, composed of scientists and policy experts, considers a range of factors, from geopolitical tensions to technological advancements, to determine the clock's time. The clock's inception in 1947, shortly after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, served as a warning about the dangers of nuclear weapons. Over the years, the clock has been adjusted to reflect changing global circumstances, with the farthest distance from midnight being 17 minutes during the end of the Cold War.

The clock setters, who represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives, acknowledge the complexities and uncertainties involved in assessing existential risks. They grapple with the challenge of quantifying threats and communicating them effectively to the public. The clock's message is a call to action, urging world leaders and individuals to address the dangers facing humanity.

BNN's Perspective: The Doomsday Clock serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the world. While the clock's symbolism can be unsettling, it also highlights the importance of international cooperation, scientific expertise, and responsible decision-making in navigating these complex threats. The clock's message is a call to action, urging world leaders and individuals to address the dangers facing humanity.

Keywords: Doomsday Clock, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, nuclear weapons, climate change, existential threats, Science and Security Board, global catastrophe, arms race, artificial intelligence, geopolitical tensions, scientific expertise, international cooperation.

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