Should nuclear weapons be permitted in our world?

On a planet where we continue to struggle and fight despite having a so-called civilised world we continue to try to have the upper-hand, to be the biggest, strongest and ultimately most feared, which is often confused with being respected. A hot-topic in our current climate is the worldwide dilemma of nuclear weapons, if we should have them, who should have them and what would happen if one day someone decides to throw the first punch.

It can be argued by certain countries that they need them for their own protection. But seeing as this is then the reason other nations use to justify their own possession of nuclear weapons, a vicious circle begins to appear. Globally around 30,000 nuclear weapons are held by various countries. More than one thousand five hundred of them ready to launch at a moment’s notice. On average, each has a destructive power thirty times that of the Hiroshima bomb.

The scientific breakthroughs which led to the creation of the first atomic bomb came about in the 1930s. Under the fear of Hitler managing to develop and use them first, a secret project entitled the ‘Manhattan Project’ got underway. Despite peaceful intentions, with the US President, Truman, in charge, a first test was ordered resulting in the devastating and infamous event, Hiroshima.

The 20th century also saw the 44 year-long Cold War take place. Despite little fighting actually occurring in this so-called war, nuclear weapons remained poised, ready for use if need be. They have since been used as threats and deterrents by numerous countries, but what would happen if one day someone does let loose…

Total disaster. Survivors would not be numerous. In a nuclear war, mass fatalities is imminent, survival is futile. The global disaster would destroy all plant life and cause more damage to the o-zone layer, allowing in even more radiation. Any human near the blast-zone would probably have only 15 seconds until the 4,000 degree heat wave reached them with a shock wave following close behind.

But it’s not only the initial blast that kills people, but the mass radiation. Gamma rays – the deadliest form of radiation – can penetrate body tissue and flesh damaging vital organs and causing cancer. Radiation sickness would spread worldwide. A lot of the earth by the first week of a nuclear war would already be contaminated. Any food left around with opened containers would be contaminated, animals would be too contaminated to eat and life would be unbearable for people to sustain.

It could mark the end of the world as we know it. Let’s hope we will not experience this in our lifetime. But with Iran and North Korea, as well as many other countries which possess these weapons, posing a threat, we can never be sure. A nuclear war does not presently seem probable, nonetheless, a nuclear war can come at any time with no warning.

Some would argue that water is a luxury. Those greedy capitalist are not worth my time. My goal, my aim, the meaning of my life is to aid those in need, to diffuse human rights over every expanse of land on our planet. That is why I am here before you today. As an individual, what can we achieve? Sure we can come up with a new invention, write an amazing book or learn to play the piano, but as a race, we can go so far beyond. What I propose to you, my fellow philanthropists, is to rally together to create something so incredible, so remarkable, to change the way people view the world.

As you are here listening to me, there is an overwhelming portion of the world’s population which is living in squalor, shanty towns, on the sand plains of the Sahara and without life’s essence. Something we take incessantly for granted, that we waste, that we literally flush away all day everyday. And why do we do it? Because it’s there? Yes. Because we live in an egotistical society where we have forgotten how to care about others? Certainly. Every year a fifth of the world’s population dies from dehydration. A fifth. Now is the time to act.

What I propose to you is to assemble together; start a collaboration. Go to your jobs, your children’s schools, your local shops, your gym, your bank, your local council, find everyone who will listen and draw out their inner philanthropist too. All it will take is a small donation from each individual, either a one-off collection or a monthly deposit. With this money we can start to send out more people to the most downtrodden of villages, to those most in need and instal a pump. That’s it, that’s all these people need, no fancy cars, no new iPhone, just a simple pump to deliver them life’s essence. It will take a lot of work, and I’m not saying it will be easy, but one pump will last for 40years. At least. It may seem like a small step but believe me, it will change so many people’s worlds and it is a good starting point for further change. Our planet is covered in water, yet not everyone can access it nor have they the resources in place to convert it to drinking water. This we can do for them.

So, I leave it to you now. Go and explain the devastating world situation to wherever you can. Spread the world of our charity and gather support. And remember, as an individual we are strong, but as a collective we are unstoppable.