Endorsing And Adopting The Treaty On The Prohibition Of Nuclear Weapons To Achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 Of Peace, Justice, And Strong Institutions Of The 2030 Agenda For Sustainable Development.
The resolution points to the historical context of nuclear armament, noting that since the peak of the Cold War, approximately 50,000 nuclear warheads have been dismantled, yet about 14,500 remain, primarily held by the United States and Russia. The document highlights that even a small-scale nuclear engagement threatens global stability, with potential catastrophic consequences including famine and mass extinction, driven by climate disruption. It emphasizes the importance of nuclear disarmament not only from a humanitarian perspective but also for ecological sustainability.
SCR237, recognized as the Senate Concurrent Resolution for the State of Hawaii, passionately endorses and adopts the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This resolution supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16, which emphasizes the necessity for peace, justice, and strong institutions as part of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. The bill reflects Hawaii's long-standing ideals of peace within the Pacific region, arguing for a world devoid of nuclear threats and advocating for international cooperation to achieve these goals.
The resolution also denounces the current direction of U.S. nuclear policy, which includes plans to invest over $1 trillion to modernize the nuclear arsenal. Detractors of such policies assert that this would only escalate the risks of nuclear conflict and spur an arms race globally. The adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, as urged by SCR237, is seen as a vital step towards de-escalating tensions and ensuring a safer future through the renouncement of the first-use policy of nuclear weapons. This diverse range of perspectives showcases the ongoing debate surrounding nuclear policy, disarmament efforts, and international security strategies.