Global Advocates Unite to champion Nuclear Disarmament and Climate Justice
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Santa Barbara, CA-Eighty years after the dawn of the nuclear age, a global coalition of peace advocates, diplomats, educators, and atomic bomb survivors convened at the “Choose Hope” symposium on March 12-13, 2025, in Santa barbara, California, to address the urgent need for nuclear disarmament and climate justice. The event, co-organized by the Nuclear age Peace Foundation (NAPF) and Soka Gakkai International (SGI), took place at the Music Academy of the West.
Inspired by the 2001 dialog book “Choose Hope” by NAPF founder David Krieger and SGI President daisaku Ikeda, the symposium aimed to reignite the ethical and strategic imperative of nuclear abolition. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), as of early 2024, roughly 9,576 nuclear weapons where in military stockpiles, highlighting the continued relevance of this cause 1.
Dr. Ivana Nikoli? hughes, president of NAPF, emphasized the symposium’s forward-looking approach: “This is not just about legacy. We are here to continue the journey they started and to build a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons.” tomohiko Aishima, Director of Peace Affairs at SGI, highlighted the practical focus of the original dialogue, noting it as “a call to action, rooted in practical solutions.”
The Peril of Nuclear Deterrence
In her keynote lecture, Pulitzer Prize finalist Annie Jacobsen, author of “Nuclear War: A Scenario,” explored the catastrophic consequences of failed nuclear deterrence. Drawing from confidential interviews with U.S. government and military insiders, Jacobsen warned that a nuclear exchange could trigger retaliatory strikes globally within seven minutes, leading to uncontrollable destruction and the collapse of human civilization. According to the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to humanity, with even a limited nuclear war potentially causing a global climate catastrophe 2.
Did You know? The Doomsday Clock, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, stands at 90 seconds to midnight in January 2024, reflecting the persistent and alarming threats posed by nuclear weapons, climate change, and disruptive technologies 3.
Youth Empowerment and Climate Justice
A panel discussion,moderated by SGI disarmament Program Coordinator Miyuki Horiguchi,focused on the intersection of climate and nuclear justice,emphasizing the role of youth in driving change. Anduin Devos of NuclearBan.US shared how concerns about the climate crisis led to her involvement in the anti-nuclear movement, advocating for the reallocation of resources from nuclear weapons to climate solutions. Activists Kevin Chiu and Viktoria Lokh underscored the importance of integrating youth voices into nuclear policy discussions.
Horiguchi quoted a Native American proverb-“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children”-and a quote from Choose Hope: “Hope is another name for youth,” highlighting the unique potential of young people to shape new eras. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the importance of youth engagement in achieving peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16) and taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (SDG 13) 4.
Art as a Catalyst for Awareness and Action
Film director Andrew Davis and artist Stella Rose discussed the power of art to inspire awareness and action. “Art doesn’t just reflect truth-it makes us feel it, and move us to act,” said Davis. The symposium’s final declaration emphasized the role of culture and creativity in promoting peace and deepening empathy.
Pro Tip: Art can serve as a powerful tool for advocacy and social change, transcending language barriers and engaging audiences on an emotional level.
The Choose Hope Declaration
The symposium concluded with the adoption of the Choose Hope Declaration, which warned that a nuclear-free world is achievable only through intentional and collective choices.”We choose hope over despair,” the declaration stated, underscoring the urgency of action with the Doomsday Clock set at 89 seconds to midnight.
How can individuals contribute to nuclear disarmament and climate justice efforts in their daily lives? What role do you beleive art and culture play in fostering peace and empathy?
Key Symposium Highlights
| Topic | Keynote Speaker/Moderator | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Deterrence | Annie jacobsen | Nuclear war leads to total annihilation. |
| Climate and Nuclear Justice | Miyuki Horiguchi | Youth empowerment is crucial for change. |
| Art and Awareness | Andrew Davis, Stella Rose | Art inspires action and promotes peace. |
| Choose Hope Declaration | N/A | A nuclear-free world requires collective choices. |
Evergreen Insights
The pursuit of nuclear disarmament has been a long-standing goal of the international community, with numerous treaties and initiatives aimed at reducing and eliminating nuclear weapons. The Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which entered into force in 1970, is a landmark international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament 5. Despite these efforts, the threat of nuclear conflict remains a notable concern, especially in light of geopolitical tensions and the modernization of nuclear arsenals.
The intersection of climate change and nuclear weapons further exacerbates global security risks. A nuclear war could trigger a “nuclear winter,” causing severe and prolonged climate disruptions that would devastate ecosystems and food production. Conversely, climate change-induced resource scarcity and displacement could heighten tensions and increase the risk of conflict, including nuclear conflict.
Frequently asked Questions
- Why is nuclear disarmament important for global security?
- Nuclear disarmament is crucial because nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to humanity.Even a limited nuclear war could result in catastrophic consequences, including widespread death, environmental destruction, and long-term climate disruption.
- How dose climate change intersect with nuclear justice?
- climate change and nuclear weapons are interconnected threats. A nuclear war could trigger a “nuclear winter,” exacerbating climate change impacts, while climate change-induced resource scarcity and displacement could increase the risk of conflict, including nuclear conflict.
- What role do young people play in promoting nuclear disarmament?
- Young people are essential in promoting nuclear disarmament as they bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a long-term vision to the issue. Their engagement can help raise awareness, mobilize action, and shape policies that support a nuclear-free world.
- How can art contribute to the cause of nuclear disarmament?
- art serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness, fostering empathy, and inspiring action on nuclear disarmament.It can transcend language barriers and engage audiences on an emotional level, promoting dialogue and understanding.
- What is the Choose Hope declaration, and why is it significant?
- The Choose Hope Declaration is a statement adopted at the symposium, emphasizing that a nuclear-free world is achievable through intentional and collective choices. It underscores the urgency of action and the importance of choosing hope over despair in the face of nuclear threats.
- What are some practical steps individuals can take to support nuclear disarmament?
- Individuals can support nuclear disarmament by educating themselves and others about the issue, advocating for policies that promote disarmament, supporting organizations working for peace and disarmament, and engaging in peaceful activism and dialogue.
Disclaimer: This article provides data on nuclear disarmament and climate justice and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance.
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