Nuclear Disarmament Sneak Peek for 2012

Jan 5, 2012

2011 was a successful year for FCNL's nuclear disarmament program. Although budget pressures have threatened many government programs, FCNL's efforts have helped to maintain funding for nuclear nonproliferation programs. In the coming year, the effort to maintain funding will continue.

Budget

There is enough bomb-grade nuclear material around the world to build more than 100,000 Hiroshima sized nuclear weapons. The United States has been working for more than 20 years to contain and secure that material, and to disarm nuclear weapons around the world, especially in the former Soviet Union. Since 2004 funding for such nuclear nonproliferation programs has more than tripled. However, in this difficult economic climate, funding for such successful programs could be threatened. FCNL will work throughout the year to make sure that funding for nuclear nonproliferation programs is maintained in FY 2013. FCNL will also work to reduce the budget for nuclear weapons and related delivery systems.

Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

At the beginning of his term in office President Obama declared it a priority that the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) be ratified by the Senate. The treaty bans nuclear weapons testing around the world. The United States signed the treaty in 1996, but has yet to ratify it. Ratification is necessary for the treaty to come into force. FCNL will work in 2012 to lay the groundwork for ratification of the CTBT.

Continued Education

Although the Cold War is long over, there are still thousands of nuclear weapons around the world and vulnerable nuclear material threatens our security. FCNL will work in 2012 to maintain awareness of nuclear weapons issues. For example, FCNL publishes the weekly Nuclear Calendar which is distributed to over 14000 people including many government officials. The Nuclear Calendar tracks important events in the nuclear disarmament world.