Nuclear winter: global consequences of multiple nuclear explosions

Abstract

Nuclear war could have devastating global atmospheric and climatic consequences, as modeled using methods previously applied to volcanic eruptions. Large-scale nuclear detonations, particularly over urban areas, could generate vast quantities of dust and smoke, blocking sunlight and causing significant hemispheric cooling. This “nuclear winter” scenario could lead to subfreezing temperatures for months, drastically reduced light levels, and prolonged exposure to radioactivity. Even a relatively small nuclear exchange, involving just 100 megatons, could have severe climatic impacts. The combination of immediate blast effects, firestorms, fallout, and the long-term consequences of a “nuclear winter” could pose a serious threat to human survival and the global ecosystem.