Abstract:
A nuclear leakage or tactical nuclear weapon use in a limited war could cause
immense and long-lasting ecological consequences beyond the direct site
of exposure. We call upon all scientists to communicate the importance
of the environmental impacts of such an event to all life forms on Earth,
including humankind. Changes to ecosystem structure and functioning and
species extinctions would alter the biosphere for an unknown time frame.
Radiation could trigger cascade effects in marine, atmospheric and terrestrial
ecosystems of a magnitude far beyond human capabilities for mitigation
or adaptation. Even a “tactical nuclear war” could alter planet Earth’s living
boundaries, ending the current Anthropocene era.
