The end is closer than ever, say scientists from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Geneva, January 27 – The imaginary “Doomsday Clock,” a symbol of the nearness of global catastrophe, moved closer to midnight on Tuesday than ever before, to 85 seconds before midnight, four seconds closer than last year. Scientists from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists cited the growing risk of nuclear weapons use, the climate crisis and the unchecked spread of disinformation as reasons for the move.

The announcement comes a year into President Donald Trump’s second term, during which the United States has unilaterally withdrawn from several global treaties and international organizations. The scientists said major powers such as Russia, China and the United States have become “more aggressive, competitive and nationalistic,” accelerating the breakdown of long-standing agreements and weakening the cooperation needed to reduce risks.

The council warned of the threat of a new nuclear arms race as the New START treaty between the US and Russia expires next week and Washington pushes ahead with a costly “Golden Dome” missile defense system that would further militarize space.

The scientists also pointed to record CO₂ emissions after the US and other countries backed away from global climate commitments. At the same time, they said, a crisis of confidence is deepening.

“We are living in an information armageddon – the crisis of all crises – driven by exploitative and predatory technologies that spread lies faster than facts and profit from our disunity,” said Philippine investigative journalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa.

WT.24