Nuclear Weapons

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.

12,700

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—in essence, starting a nuclear war.

These policies and plans threaten the world in very real ways, and they need to change. You can help.

Learn more

Boy looking at model of atomic bomb model, "little boy" used in WWII

Nuclear Weapons Justice

An over the shoulder view during the opening session of the Treat of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Nuclear Weapons Worldwide

Shadow silhouettes of people over a missile.

US Missile Defense

An instructor sits at missile launch controls during a simulation training

Nuclear Weapons Solutions

Get involved

Science & Democracy

Save Science, Save Lives

President-elect Trump is laying the groundwork to attack science and purge government scientists and experts. We can't let that happen.

Nuclear Weapons

US Weapons

Global Issues

Preventing Nuclear War

We're mobilizing scientists, activists, and everyday people to help change US nuclear policy.

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.”

Joel Weisberg, professor of physics and astronomy, Carleton College