Nuclear winter in the post-Cold War era

Abstract

The article analyzes the threat of “nuclear winter” in the aftermath of the Cold War. The authors reiterate the destructive potential of nuclear war, magnified by the combined effect of immediate damage and long-term climatic changes, referred to as “nuclear winter”. Even though the Cold War has ended and significant strides have been made in nuclear disarmament, the authors underscore that the remaining arsenals are still large enough to pose a significant threat. They emphasize the heightened risks from emerging nuclear states, expressing apprehension over shorter warning times and potential preemptive strikes. The paper calls for urgent, sweeping measures including massive reductions in global arsenals and increased public education on the effects of nuclear war. Coupled with these preventive measures, it advocates for a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty to hinder the spread and development of nuclear weapons and protect humanity against a global catastrophe. – AI-generated abstract.