Doomsday Clock Adjusted to 85 Seconds to Midnight

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists adjusted its Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds before midnight on January 27, marking the closest symbolic proximity to global catastrophe in the clock's nearly eight-decade history. The Chicago-based nonprofit, which maintains the clock as a gauge of humanity's risk from nuclear war, climate change, and disruptive technologies, announced the change during a live briefing streamed on YouTube at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Previously set at 89 seconds to midnight, the adjustment reflects escalating threats amid ongoing international conflicts and technological advancements.

The decision stems from a range of interconnected global challenges. Experts cited aggressive postures by major nuclear powers, including Russia, China, and the United States, as key drivers. These include Russia's invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, where nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles like the Oreshnik have been deployed to Belarus to enhance strike capabilities across Europe. Tensions in the Middle East, such as U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, and border clashes between India and Pakistan, further heighten escalation risks. In Asia, conflicts on the Korean Peninsula...