International Day against Nuclear Tests

International Day against Nuclear Tests

International Day against Nuclear Tests seeks to raise awareness about the devastating effects of nuclear weapon test explosions. The day promotes peace, disarmament, and non-proliferation, emphasizing the importance of a nuclear-weapon-free world. This observance also serves as an excellent opportunity for nations to highlight the progress made towards achieving this goal, while emphasizing the work that remains to be done.

The International Day against Nuclear Tests was officially declared on December 2, 2009 by the United Nations General Assembly. The day has been observed since its inception on August 29, 2010. For Americans, this day signifies the nation's history of conducting nuclear weapon tests since the mid-1940s, such as the infamous "Trinity" test in New Mexico and the Bikini Atoll tests in the Pacific Ocean. The United States has since taken numerous steps towards nuclear disarmament, including signing and ratifying the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 1996, though the treaty has yet to enter into force due to non-ratification by a few remaining countries.

In the United States, International Day against Nuclear Tests sparks dialogues and activities focused on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Commemorative events, educational initiatives, and public awareness campaigns highlight the importance of a world free from nuclear weapons and the need for continued efforts towards this goal. The International Day against Nuclear Tests is observed annually on August 29th, signaling a united front against the dangers of nuclear weapon testing and the importance of a safer world.

Facts about Nuclear Testing

• Over the past 6 decades, the United States, Russia, and France have carried out the most nuclear tests. They have conducted 1,032, 715, and 210 tests respectively.
• There are an estimated total of 16,400 nuclear weapons on Earth today.
• Russia and the United States currently possess the largest nuclear weapon stockpiles, accounting for approximately 90% of global nuclear weapons.
• The cost of the Manhattan Project, where the first nuclear bomb was ever built, is estimated to have cost $20 Billion.
• The total number of nuclear missiles built from the year 1951 to the present is 67,500.
• So long as nuclear weapons continue to exist, so will the temptation to threaten others with overwhelming military force – Daisaku Ikeda, Buddhist philosopher, educator, author and anti-nuclear activist.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Day against Nuclear Tests

Top things to do in the US for this observance

• Attend the meeting held by the president of the UN General Assembly by either going to the event in person or watching the recorded webcast.
• Watch a movie or documentary about nuclear disasters. Some suggestions are: The Day After (1983), Threads (1984), Trinity and Beyond (1995), Fukushima Nuclear Disaster and Seconds from Disaster: Meltdown at Chernobyl.
• Read a book about nuclear issues in the world today. Some suggestions are: Contesting the Future of Nuclear Power (2011), In Mortal Hands (2009), and Nuclear or Not? Does Nuclear Power Have a Place in a Sustainable Energy Future? (2007).
• Donate to the Pacific Nuclear Charitable Foundation. Its primary goal is to promote philanthropy and medical research on the specialty of nuclear medicine.