Exploring the Evolvement of Nuclear Testing from Trinity to the Present Day: A New Era Without Nuclear Tests

In the aftermath of the first nuclear test explosion, known as Trinity, which took place in New Mexico on 16 July 1945, the world witnessed a devastating era of nuclear proliferation. Between 1945 and 1996, more than 2,000 nuclear tests were conducted globally, averaging at least one test every nine days. This alarming trend, however, has seen a significant decrease in recent years, thanks to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

The CTBT, opened for signature in 1996, is a pivotal agreement aimed at enhancing global security and creating a global norm against nuclear testing. The treaty has been endorsed by 187 states, with 178 ratifying it. In the past three years, nine states have ratified the CTBT, and one more has signed it, signifying a growing commitment towards nuclear disarmament.

The CTBT's International Monitoring System (IMS), a network of over 300 facilities worldwide, ensures that no test can occur in secrecy. This system, a testament to international cooperation, has been instrumental in maintaining the relative peace since the last nuclear test, which occurred in 2006 by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The United Nations, a key player in addressing the threat of nuclear annihilation since its inception, has played a significant role in the CTBT's journey. The first action of the United Nations General Assembly was to adopt Resolution 1 (I) on Jan. 24, 1946, calling for the elimination of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. In 2009, the General Assembly declared August 29 as the International Day Against Nuclear Tests.

As we approach the 30th anniversary of the CTBT's opening for signature on September 24, 2026, the world is on the cusp of a remarkable milestone. If no nuclear test is conducted by January 14, 2026, the world will set a record for the longest period without a nuclear test since 1945.

The authors of this article, Philemon Yang, the president of the UN General Assembly at its seventy-ninth session, and Dr. Robert Floyd, the executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), call for the CTBT to be brought into force to prevent a return to nuclear testing, which could spark a dangerous arms race.

The CTBT's ratification by more states, including several that are preparing to do so, brings us one step closer to a nuclear-free world. The closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, which saw 456 nuclear test explosions over four decades, serves as a reminder of the devastating impacts of nuclear testing, including radioactive fallout, environmental harm, and impacts on human health, which persist across generations.

As we strive for a safer and more secure world, the CTBT stands as a beacon of hope. Its ratification and entry into force are crucial steps towards achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. The CTBT is more than just a treaty; it is a testament to the power of international cooperation and a commitment to a peaceful future for all.

Exploring the Evolvement of Nuclear Testing from Trinity to the Present Day: A New Era Without Nuclear Tests