Read by John Sullivan

The risk of nuclear conflict today is at its highest point in decades. Geopolitical tensions are on the rise, and we are witnessing an unsettling increase in reckless nuclear threats and the use of nuclear blackmail. This has made the long-standing taboo against the use of nuclear weapons appear more fragile than ever before. In 2022, the famous Doomsday Clock was set to a chilling 90 seconds to midnight, marking the closest it has ever been since its inception in 1947. This unsettling moment in history underscores just how vulnerable the world has become to the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war. In this fragile and precarious situation, it becomes even more crucial for the global community to fully grasp the profound humanitarian impact that any use of nuclear weapons would have. Whether in the case of a limited strike or a full-scale nuclear conflict, the consequences would be devastating not just for the immediate areas affected but for all of humanity and the environment. The environmental destruction, the loss of life, and the lasting psychological and societal trauma would ripple across borders, affecting every nation. Greater awareness and a deeper understanding of these consequences are vital for mobilizing the global community to take decisive, collective action. Only through a heightened sense of urgency and responsibility can we work together to prevent the use of nuclear weapons. This awareness is also the key to advancing the cause of nuclear disarmament. Moving away from a security model based on the dangerous idea of mutually assured destruction and toward one focused on cooperation, diplomacy, and peace is not just desirableits essential for ensuring the survival of humanity and the planet for future generations

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