Nuclear Weapons, the Environment, and the Climate Crisis

Introduction

Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing humanity, and the threat of nuclear weapons is another. Nuclear weapons production, testing, and use all damage the environment and exacerbate the climate crisis. At the same time, the increase in extreme weather events and rising sea levels caused by the climate crisis accelerates the risks of radioactive contamination from nuclear weapons activities. Beyond production, testing, and use, nuclear war may become more likely due to a climate crisis driven rise of resource-scarcity and conflict.