International Day Against Nuclear Testing is a holiday observed on August 29th that recognizes the dangers associated with nuclear testing. Since WWII, thousands of nuclear tests have been conducted, resulting in nuclear fallout, damage to entire ecologies, and other unintended consequences.

It is absolutely imperative that all countries of the world cease the practice of nuclear testing, which is why this holiday was established by the UN in 2009. Ending nuclear testing not only prevents environmental damage from nuclear byproducts but also deters countries from developing increasingly powerful weapons of mass destruction.

The History of International Day Against Nuclear Testing

The United Nations General Assembly created this holiday on December 2, 2009, during their 64th session. On that day, they adopted Resolution 64/35, which calls for all member nations to increase awareness and education about the effects of nuclear weapon test explosions and the need for their elimination. The ultimate goal of this resolution is to achieve a nuclear-weapon-free world.

Facts About Nuclear Disasters

We have decided to include some facts about nuclear disasters with this holiday article to do our part in raising awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons and why they should be completely eliminated from the planet.

• Nuclear radiation can damage DNA and cause mutations in animals and plants.
• The first use of nuclear weapons against a nation occurred in August 1945 when the U.S. dropped bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• In 1979, the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant had an accident that exposed 2 million nearby residents to radiation.
• Japan has experienced three nuclear power plant accidents since 1999.

Observing International Day Against Nuclear Testing

Anyone wishing to observe this holiday can do so by educating themselves on the effects of the production and testing of nuclear weapons on the environment.

It is also a good day for people to spread the word about this holiday using the hashtag #InternationalDayAgainstNuclearTesting on their social media accounts.