Speaker
Description
Proponents of nuclear deterrence generally see it as a stabilizing factor in state security relations. However, it might have contributed to the destabilization of climatic security instead. Today, climate crises are affecting states in multiple ways and there is a developing census that it is becoming a key security threat to humanity. However, there is little understanding of how the maintenance of nuclear deterrence contributes to the climate crisis. There is the environmental impact of nuclear weapons tests, energy consumption for their development and maintenance, resource scarcity and allocation, and the issue of nuclear waste. More importantly, nuclear use means doomsday. Linking nuclear deterrence with climate change can increase public awareness about the interconnected risks of nuclear weapons and climate change. It also highlights the urgency and sensitivity of the risks. For human survival, it may need to choose between traditional security and climate security. While traditional security issues like the arms race, nuclear parity, non-proliferation and disarmament can be managed through dialogue, an uncontrolled climate crisis cannot be contained. Therefore, outreach and treaty advocacy should also focus on them through this lens. Moreover, nuclear disarmament treaties should incorporate climate considerations and divert resources to climate action.
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