On 27th January 2026, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists set the metaphorical clock to 85 seconds before midnight – the point of annihilation. That is one second closer than it was set last year. Download our free resource for schools about the Doomsday Clock.
The main factors influencing the clock this year were nuclear weapons, climate change, and the misuse of biotechnology, and artificial intelligence – alongside what it called a “failure of leadership” among world powers – bringing the clock to its closest ever point in its 79-year history
The Doomsday Clock has featured in novels by Stephen King, songs by The Who and the Clash, graphic novels like Watchmen and Stormwatch, and in Doctor Who.
Find out more about it from our free download or via thebulletin.org
You can also watch Peace Education Scotland’s 5-minute video ‘Nuclear weapons and the Environment‘ which explains the Doomsday Clock.
It can be viewed via this direct link to our video. Also available in Subtitled or Audio Described versions.
