Table of Contents
They’re the most dangerous invention the world has ever seen. Can we prevent them from being used again?
What we're facing
When the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, the destruction was unlike anything experienced before. Tens of thousands of people died instantly. An entire city was destroyed in the flash of a single bomb.
nuclear weapons in the world's arsenals
Today, some 12,700 nuclear weapons remain in the world’s arsenals—with about 90 percent owned by the United States and Russia. Both countries are actively planning to build new weapons, sparking a 21st century arms race and increasing the risk of nuclear war.
Meanwhile, many of the Cold War’s most absurd and dangerous nuclear policies remain unchanged. In the United States, the president can order the launch of nuclear weapons without consulting anyone. And US policy allows the president to use nuclear weapons against an adversary in essence, to start a nuclear war.
These policies and plans threaten the world in very real ways, and they need to change. You can help.
The War on Ukraine
Get involved
Preventing Nuclear War
What you can do:
Support electoral change
The #1 way to change nuclear weapons policies is to change the people in control of them. Make your voice heard; write and call your elected officials, participate in local meetings, and, above all, vote.
Fight complacency
For many people, nuclear weapons are an issue of the past. They shouldn’t be. Get educated, share information, and encourage those around you to do the same.
Get involved
We’re running a campaign on nuclear weapons. You can help.
"I’ve supported UCS for almost 50 years because of its unique approach to arms reduction: rigorous technical analysis translated to public policy that can make us all safer.”
How we work
Meet the experts
Eryn MacDonald
Dylan Spaulding
Gregory Kulacki
Accomplishments
UCS-Backed Act Supporting Nuclear Frontline Communities Extended
Related resources
2022 Annual Report
What’s Preventing Nuclear Annihilation?
Tactical Nuclear Weapons
