INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST NUCLEAR TESTS

By: Ingrid M. Caraballo Lopez

Nuclear testing has been present in our world since 1945. To this day, almost 2,000 tests have occurred globally. In the early days of nuclear testing, there was little to no consideration of the damaging consequences of the tests. This leading to many tragic effects on human life and our environments, such as nuclear fallout and radioactive contamination. But what kind of benefit does this technology bring us? Well, the answer is simple, none. Sure, it might be a scientific advancement, but the reality is that nuclear testing will only cause more issues in general.  

On December 2nd of 2009, the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly declared August 29th of every year as the International Day against Nuclear Tests by unanimously adopting resolution 64/35. According to the resolution established, its goal is to prevent more of the “devastating and harmful effects on the lives and health of people and the environment” caused by nuclear testing. Seeking to raise awareness and educate people everywhere about the negative effects of nuclear testing in order to ban such acts to ensure a planet without risks.

Aspirations of the United Nations is that one day, all nuclear weapons will be put to an end. If we do not stop nuclear testing, more mistakes could happen such as the Chernobyl, Ukraine accident of 1986, ending in tragedy, long-term radiation poisoning, and atmospheric damage. But as of now, the International Day against Nuclear Tests will work with urgency, promoting peace and security for a better and safer world.

References:

1. Global Dimension (n.d.). International Day Against Nuclear Tests – Global calendar. Retrieved from: https://globaldimension.org.uk/event/international-day-against-nuclear-tests/2020-08-29/United Nations (n.d.). International Day against Nuclear Tests. Retrieved from: https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-nuclear-tests-day