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Global effects of nuclear war and the consequences for strategic risk management

10 January 2023, 5:00 pm–6:00 pm

Misty view of post-apocalyptic rubble

We welcome Paul Ingram, Senior Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, University of Cambridge, to give an introduction to the latest research on the global effects of nuclear war and examine some of the consequences for strategic risk management.

This event is free.

Event Information

Open to

All

Availability

Yes

Cost

Free

Organiser

Dr Philip Cunliffe – UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction

Location

B05 Chadwick Building
UCL
Gower Street,
London
WC1E 6BT
United Kingdom

Change in location

Please note that this session will now be held in Chadwick B05.

Nuclear winter was popularised in the early 1980s and is thought to have had huge impact on political leaderships of the time, when the global nuclear stockpile was around 70,000 warheads. Interest and awareness has since faded, along with deep reductions in the numbers of weapons. Recent research suggests that the danger of global climatic effects from even a limited nuclear war could be catastrophic, possibly even existential. This talk will survey the evidence and ask questions around what this might mean for government risk assessments, mitigation strategies and strategic postures.

The seminar will be followed by a networking reception from 6pm to 7pm.

Don't worry if you aren't able to attend in person – this seminar will be available afterwards on our YouTube channel.

About the speaker

Paul Ingram
Paul Ingram has several decades experience leading diverse and multicultural teams to impact decisions on existential threats, particularly nuclear war. He was the Executive Director of the transatlantic British American Security Information Council (BASIC) 2007-19, focusing on nuclear deterrence and disarmament issues in the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Paul set up and ran the Trident Commission (2011-14) that considered Britain’s future nuclear weapon policy. Since 2019 he has worked closely with the Swedish Foreign Ministry crafting the Stepping Stones Approach. The associated 16-nation Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament has become a widely-acknowledged glimmer of hope for the NPT Review process.
This event will be recorded and available on the IRDR YouTube channel afterwards.

Briefing note

Read Paul Ingram's briefing note that supports this seminar.