Summary of Scientific Studies The environmental consequences of a “regional” nuclear war would cause massive global famineThe environmental consequences of a “regional” nuclear war would cause massive global famine Regional nuclear arsenals contain less than 1% of the explosive power in deployed U.S.- Russian arsenalsRegional nuclear arsenals contain less than 1% of the explosive power in deployed U.S.- Russian arsenals A large nuclear war – or even a large preemptive nuclear strike – would leave the Earth uninhabitableA large nuclear war – or even a large preemptive nuclear strike – would leave the Earth uninhabitable

Are U.S. and Russian weapons “safe from use”?

Unless deterrence works perfectly, forever... Deterrence will someday fail

Existing nuclear arsenals are fundamentally incompatible with continued human existence

Conclusions from Science Reductions of nuclear arsenals to a few thousand nuclear weapons will not significantly reduce the danger they pose to humansReductions of nuclear arsenals to a few thousand nuclear weapons will not significantly reduce the danger they pose to humans The abolition of nuclear arsenals and nuclear weapons is the only sure way to prevent their eventual use in nuclear conflictThe abolition of nuclear arsenals and nuclear weapons is the only sure way to prevent their eventual use in nuclear conflict

What must be done? Commence preliminary negotiations on a Nuclear Weapons Convention (NWC) for the phased, verifiable, irreversible and transparent elimination of nuclear weaponsCommence preliminary negotiations on a Nuclear Weapons Convention (NWC) for the phased, verifiable, irreversible and transparent elimination of nuclear weapons

Why a NWC? The NPT alone cannot achieve the elimination of nuclear arsenals or weapons 40 years of a minimalist approach to nuclear disarmament has proven inadequate The NPT cannot remain as a two-tiered system of nuclear haves and have-nots Non-Proliferation cannot ultimately be prevented through military intervention

Nations that own Plutonium and HEU

Why a NWC? A Nuclear Weapons Convention would strengthen the NPT, in the same way that U.S.-Russian bilateral arms reductions have strengthened it NWC is a means to preserve the NPT and implement nuclear disarmament Consistent with a vision of “a world without nuclear weapons”

NWC is Compatible with Intermediate Steps NWC consistent with the CTBT, the FMCT, and the conclusion of further bi- lateral arms reduction treaties between the U.S. and Russia NWC would complement rather than supersede these goals Such negotiations could occur simultaneously with NWC negotiations

Overwhelming Support for NWC 124 nations voted for a UNGA resolution calling for the immediate commencement of negotiations leading to a NWC (2009) NWC is the First point of the UN-Secretary General’s five-point disarmament action plan 76% of people globally support the abolition of nuclear weapons through a comprehensive, verifiable treaty

Conventions Exist for Other Categories of Weapons Comprehensive treaties have been negotiated to outlaw other entire categories of weapons: Biological Weapons Convention Chemical Weapons Convention Convention on Cluster Munitions Mine Ban Treaty

NWC would build trust NWC would promote greater transparency and accountability through establishment of systems needed to verify elimination of nuclear arsenals International monitoring system to ensure compliance (routine and surprise inspections, on-site sensors, radionuclide sampling, satellite photography, etc.)

NWC would bridge the Disarmament – Non-Proliferation gap General obligations in the NWC would apply equally to all parties Convention approach would allow the engagement of parties outside the NPT

NWC would require: Provisions on entry into force Provisions on compliance and enforcement A comprehensive verification regime backed up by a strong implementing authority Irreversibility and transparency Resources for dismantlement, destruction, storage and disposal of nuclear materials

Basic Elements of a NWC Prohibit the development, testing, production, stockpiling, transfer ands use of nuclear weapons. Include phased reductions of existing nuclear arsenals in conjunction with a comprehensive verification regime Prevent production of weapons-usable fissile material and address deliver vehicles

Basic Elements of a NWC Identify steps and stages for the reduction and elimination of nuclear weapons: Removal of all weapons from prompt launch and deployment Removal of nuclear warheads from delivery vehicles Disabling nuclear warheads Place fissile material under international controls and safeguards

Begin NWC Negotiations Now Commence preliminary negotiations on a Nuclear Weapons Convention (NWC) for the phased, verifiable, irreversible and transparent elimination of nuclear weaponsCommence preliminary negotiations on a Nuclear Weapons Convention (NWC) for the phased, verifiable, irreversible and transparent elimination of nuclear weapons

Yes, We Must!

Existing nuclear arsenals are fundamentally incompatible with continued human existence