Global leaders have managed to keep the world from experiencing a nuclear explosion for eight years, four months and 21 days since September 2017. This milestone is notable given that it marks the longest period without a nuclear test in over 80 years.
Historically, scientists questioned whether these tests were necessary at all after Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. Robert Oppenheimer declined to attend the first US nuclear test in 1946, citing the lack of new data from "simple laboratory methods." In reality, most nuclear tests were done above ground, producing iconic mushroom clouds, a visual reminder of the devastating effects of these explosions.
It's hard for people today to imagine constant nuclear detonations like they did during the first decades after Hiroshima. The era saw dozens of nuclear tests taking place every year in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Rising fears of civilization-ending nuclear war were prevalent at that time, with many fearing an inevitable catastrophe.
Nuclear testing has led to health issues such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other conditions among "downwinders" living near testing sites. The effects of these tests have been estimated to be even broader-reaching, resulting in up to 4 million premature deaths from cancer and other conditions.
The world gradually phased out nuclear testing after the Partial Test Ban Treaty was signed in 1963, which prohibited above-ground detonations. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was ratified by 178 countries but not formally ratified by the United States until now.
With increasing tensions between major powers, particularly China and Russia, there are signs that this pause may not last long. In October, President Donald Trump called for US nuclear testing to resume, which could lead to a renewed era of nuclear testing.
Experts warn that such a return would likely benefit adversaries rather than the US, while potentially sparking an even broader arms race. The recent withdrawal of Russian ratification of the CTBT by Vladimir Putin and possible Chinese nuclear tests have added to concerns about the future of the pause in nuclear testing.
The eight-year hiatus without a nuclear explosion serves as a good news story but raises questions about whether this luck will last.
Historically, scientists questioned whether these tests were necessary at all after Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. Robert Oppenheimer declined to attend the first US nuclear test in 1946, citing the lack of new data from "simple laboratory methods." In reality, most nuclear tests were done above ground, producing iconic mushroom clouds, a visual reminder of the devastating effects of these explosions.
It's hard for people today to imagine constant nuclear detonations like they did during the first decades after Hiroshima. The era saw dozens of nuclear tests taking place every year in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Rising fears of civilization-ending nuclear war were prevalent at that time, with many fearing an inevitable catastrophe.
Nuclear testing has led to health issues such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other conditions among "downwinders" living near testing sites. The effects of these tests have been estimated to be even broader-reaching, resulting in up to 4 million premature deaths from cancer and other conditions.
The world gradually phased out nuclear testing after the Partial Test Ban Treaty was signed in 1963, which prohibited above-ground detonations. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was ratified by 178 countries but not formally ratified by the United States until now.
With increasing tensions between major powers, particularly China and Russia, there are signs that this pause may not last long. In October, President Donald Trump called for US nuclear testing to resume, which could lead to a renewed era of nuclear testing.
Experts warn that such a return would likely benefit adversaries rather than the US, while potentially sparking an even broader arms race. The recent withdrawal of Russian ratification of the CTBT by Vladimir Putin and possible Chinese nuclear tests have added to concerns about the future of the pause in nuclear testing.
The eight-year hiatus without a nuclear explosion serves as a good news story but raises questions about whether this luck will last.
I mean, come on! Eight years is just a drop in the ocean compared to what we've been through before. Remember those crazy 1950s and '60s? It's mind-boggling how many people actually thought we'd all be dead by now. I'm not saying it's good or bad, but have you seen the footage of those mushroom clouds? They're wild! And don't even get me started on the "downwinders". Like, what's a little cancer and autoimmune disorder between friends, right? 
But seriously, if we go back to nuclear testing now, I hope our leaders are prepared for the consequences. We can't just ignore the health risks or the risk of sparking a new arms race. It's a tricky situation, but I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens next 
, cant even imagine what would happen if they resume now 
its crazy how much damage those tests can do to ppl & the environment 
especially all those "downwinders" who got affected by radiation exposure 
cancer, autoimmune disorders... its like the world didnt learn from history at all 
still got major powers like china & russia playing w/ fire 
thinkin they can just ignore international laws like CTBT & Partial Test Ban Treaty 
hopefully its not a done deal yet and we keep the peace 
can you believe it? 8 years without a nuke goes from being super cool to "please god let's keep it that way" lol what if china or russia decide to ruin the party now? 
what's goin on w/ russia & china?? seems like they wanna restart this whole mess 
. It's crazy to think about how much damage those mushroom clouds could've caused if they kept going back at it. I mean, the health effects on those 'downwinders' are still being felt today, and now we're worried that we might be heading back into a whole new cycle of destruction? Not good, not good at all 
. It's like, can't we just try to get along without resorting to nukes again?
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, its like we forgot how devastating those things can be. I mean sure its progress and all, we dont wanna go back to those dark times where people were literally worried about the end of civilisation. But at the same time, its scary that it could all fall apart again if world leaders get too cocky. Those 'downwinders' who got sick from nuke testing is still haunting us today sadly 