Increasing cost of nuclear weapons; amount spent in 5 years can feed 45 million people suffering due to famines

The growing nuclear arsenal has emerged as a concern for many stakeholders and has threatened global peace. There is also an increasing cost associated with building, maintaining and expanding this weaponry. A report published by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAR) noted that countries spent £72.2 billion on their nuclear arsenal in 2023. This indicated a rise in spending to the tune of £18.1 billion or an increase of 34% as compared to 2022. This amount indicates that around £ 198 million was spent every day, £ 8.2 million a hour, £137,000 a minute and £2288 a second.

Countries in possession of nuclear weapons:

There are nine countries in the world that are known to possess the nuclear weapon. They are the US, UK, China, Russia, France, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea. There are six other countries that host nuclear weapons belonging to their allies. They are Italy, Turkey, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands who host nuclear weapons belonging to the US and Belarus where Russian nuclear weapons are kept. Totally, there are 12,000-13,000 nuclear weapons across the globe.

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High cost:

It takes a lot of resources, both financially and in terms of human resources, to maintain these weapons and keep them ready throughout the year. It requires expertise and specialized maintenance.

The US spent the most on its nuclear weapons in 2023. It spent £40.7 billion and this is more than all other nations when combined. China emerged as the second highest spender and they spent £9.3 billion and finally Russia spent £6.6 billion. The UK spent £6.4 billion and this indicated an increase of 17%. In the US and France, £93 million was spent on lobbying.

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The report also noted that there are new contracts being executed by companies. The companies are producing nuclear weapons worth £6.2 billion. By the year 2040, companies would be executing contracts worth £306 billion.

Comparison:

The amount spent on maintaining nuclear weapons for a minute could be spent on planting million trees. Lastly, the average five-year spending could feed 45 million people across the world who are suffering due to famines.

FAQs:

What is Germany’s policy on nuclear energy?
The country has preferred to reject nuclear energy and has preferred spending on renewable sources of energy. However, after the Russia-Ukraine war which resulted in an energy crisis, Germany has sought to re-consider investing in nuclear energy. Nuclear energy was phased out in the year 2023.

Has any country not signed the Treaty on Non-Proliferation?
There are five countries which haven’t signed this important treaty. India, Israel, Pakistan, South Sudan and North Korea haven’t signed this agreement. North Korea which had earlier signed the agreement withdrew from it. Further, South Sudan does not possess any nuclear weapon. It attained its independence in 2011.