Over the past 80 years, the world has experienced the detonation of more than 2,000 nuclear bombs, an act that has fundamentally changed the course of history. This article explores the impact of the nuclear age, examining the consequences of these weapons on politics, the environment, and human lives.
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 marked the first use of nuclear weapons in war. The United States dropped ‘Little Boy’ on Hiroshima on August 6th and ‘Fat Man’ on Nagasaki on August 9th. The immediate death toll was immense, and the long-term effects of radiation caused widespread health problems, including cancer and birth defects. Today, many survivors, known as ‘Hibakusha,’ still struggle with the physical and emotional scars of those attacks.
The Soviet Union conducted its first nuclear test in 1949, kicking off a global arms race. The United Kingdom, France, and China soon joined the nuclear club, escalating tensions.
The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis saw the world on the brink of nuclear war, highlighting the danger these weapons posed to the world. During this crisis, John F. Kennedy acknowledged how close the world came to nuclear annihilation.
Over 2,000 nuclear explosions have taken place since 1945. Many of these were atmospheric tests, which dispersed radioactive particles across the globe. The consequences of these tests are still felt today in places like the Marshall Islands, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Australia, where people continue to suffer from cancer and genetic disorders.
Dr. Arjun Makhijani, President of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, emphasized the threat posed by radioactive fallout from atmospheric tests to human health.
India’s first nuclear test, ‘Smiling Buddha,’ occurred in 1974, followed by Pakistan’s tests in 1998. These nations, among others, now possess substantial nuclear arsenals.
In 2025, nine countries possess a total of 12,300 nuclear weapons, led by Russia and the United States. Other countries with nuclear capabilities include China, France, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global spending on nuclear weapons in 2024 reached $91.4 billion.
The war in Ukraine has seen open nuclear threats from Russia, including statements by Putin. Simultaneously, China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal.
Nuclear tests have caused significant environmental damage, including the doubling of atmospheric carbon-14 levels. Experts warn of potential for a nuclear winter. Populations in the Marshall Islands, Kazakhstan, and Nevada continue to experience radiation-related illnesses and demand compensation. The US government increased compensation for those affected by nuclear testing in 2023.
Despite international efforts like the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), nuclear weapon modernization continues. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sees nuclear disarmament as a moral responsibility. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) has not been joined by major nuclear powers. The arms race continues.
The world faces a crucial moment with an increasing number of nuclear weapons and the rise of AI. Global spending on nuclear weapons increased in 2024, and AI integration poses new risks. The combination of AI and nuclear weapons could increase the risk of accidental or intentional nuclear war.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres calls for complete disarmament to eliminate the threat of nuclear destruction.
Survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and other peace activists, continually warn of the dangers of nuclear weapons. The Nobel Peace Prize winner ICAN’s Beatrice Fihn urges each generation to consider whether they want to live under the shadow of nuclear weapons.
The complete elimination of nuclear weapons presents significant challenges, but it’s not impossible. Achieving this requires global cooperation, technical safeguards, transparency, and public awareness. Until the world’s most powerful countries lead the way, progress is uncertain. Despite this, millions are advocating for change, and this collective effort can lead to a safer future.
