I've studied nuclear war for 35 years -- you should be worried. | Brian Toon | TEDxMileHigh

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Published 2018-02-01
For the first time in decades, it's hard to ignore the threat of nuclear war. But as long as you're far from the blast, you're safe, right? Wrong. In this sobering talk, atmospheric scientist Brian Toon explains how even a small nuclear war could destroy all life on earth -- and what we can do to prevent it. A professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Colorado-Boulder, Brian Toon investigates the causes of the ozone hole, how volcanic eruptions alter the climate, how ancient Mars had flowing rivers, and the environmental impacts of nuclear war. He contributed to the U.N.’s Nobel Peace Prize for climate change and holds numerous scientific awards, including two NASA medals for Exceptional Scientific Achievement. He is an avid woodworker. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
All Comments (21)
  • @sabinajyrkinen9842
    "We're just one misunderstanding, one mistake, or one fanatic politician away from a nuclear conflict" hits a bit too close to home under current circumstances
  • @ShadyRonin
    Me: reads news that Russia invaded Ukraine YouTube algorithm: You’d enjoy this Ted Talk too!
  • @dierdrebolton6806
    I’m 60 I’ve had 3/4 of my life, but just got my first born grandson- he deserves his time on earth 😢
  • @GiGaSzS
    Imagine if we would concentrate all this knowledge into research for better future instead of destruction.
  • @rjsmith6698
    I’ve studied nuclear war for 5 minutes, and I already knew we should be worried.
  • @palhenrikvelde3227
    Alien 1: The humans have created nuclear weapons. Alien 2: So they are intelligent? Alien 1: I wouldnt go that far,, they have pointed them at themselves!
  • @davidvenable9257
    I've been living with this for sixty seven years ... and have nothing to say.
  • @agentd36
    Finally, something calm and relaxing I can watch.
  • @petergreen2552
    Einstein said "Man invented the atomic bomb,but a mouse would never have come up with a mouse trap".
  • @jeffkilgore6320
    He is very knowledgeable and has delivered a great message. I’m torn as to whether he’s made nuclear war seem more likely than not. We’ve had the most delusional leaders imaginable and yet, no bomb. Hopefully, world leaders know the horrific outcomes that nuclear war would create.
  • @Segomi
    thank you so much for this informative video! I’m gonna sleep so peacefully tonight.
  • @nihilath8015
    My grandfather always compared the Cold War and the threat of nuclear war to two men in a pool of gasoline with lit matches held above their heads, daring the other to drop the match.
  • @handicapitation3250
    "I do not know with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." -Albert Einstein
  • @interstellar618
    So now that we, in October 2022, are quite literally facing the threat of nuclear war due to this administrations foreign policy disaster I wonder what this man has to say? If he "studied" nuclear war for "35 yrs" and felt strong enough about to give a Ted talk back then? Shouldn't he be running through the streets screaming about it now? We were nowhere near a nuclear war when this came out and now we actually are frighteningly close to it..he should be screaming from the rooftops.. I'm waiting for his next Ted talk
  • @ambarishneog123
    This suddenly pops in my timeline as Russia-ukraine conflict tension rises.
  • @tammiwoodbury4545
    Thanks for saying the truth that nobody wants to here.God bless us all!
  • @blake8159
    There should be a worldwide treaty that bombs of a certain power should be banned