The Time is Now: Reduce the Threat of Nuclear Weapons

In an historic speech in Prague in April, President Obama articulated a bold new approach to addressing the threat posed by nuclear weapons.

His recommendations include negotiating a new arms reduction treaty with Russia, seeking Senate approval for the treaty that bans test explosions of nuclear weapons, and initiating a new program to secure all nuclear weapons material around the world within four years.

These measures will reduce the risk of two potentially catastrophic scenarios: an accidental Russian nuclear launch and the likelihood that more nations and terrorists will acquire nuclear weapons.

Although the cold war ended some 20 years ago, Obama is the first U.S. president to commit to making significant changes in U.S. nuclear weapons policy to reflect new global realities.

But because they challenge the status quo, these reforms will face strong opposition in the Senate where a cold war mentality still exists among many. In order to overcome this resistance, organizations fighting for reform in Washington such as the Union of Concerned Scientists are asking for support.

Also many other initiatives are moving worldwide to support nuclear arms immediate reduction.