Issues: Security and disarmament

Security and disarmament

SGR produces a range of resources on the issue of 'security and disarmament'. This covers military technologies, arms control and disarmament (esp. nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, ‘Missile Defense’, conventional weapons) - as well as alternative concepts of security, peace building and conflict prevention.

Scientists and engineers have a central role in the development of weapons and therefore share a special responsibilty to society. SGR's project work has investigated the extensive influence that the military has over science and technology.

Female scientist

Disciplining dissent: UK universities, the arms industry, and protest

Laura Shewan, SGR, describes the increasingly close relationship between the military-industrial complex and the academic sector in Britain. She also highlights the increasing antagonism of university authorities to protest against that relationship. 

21 November 2025 
 

SGR report cover

Most militaries report less than 10 percent of their carbon footprint

A new report by Scientists for Global Responsibility details the full extent of underreporting in official data on military greenhouse gas emissions. 

18 November 2025 

 

 

fighter and flames

The threat to the climate from UK nuclear weapons & military activity

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, highlights the possibility of nuclear winter due to UK nuclear weapons, and new data on the UK's military carbon footprint. 

3 November 2025 

 

Fighter Jet Plane in hangar

US nuclear weapons return to the UK ready for the RAF

The UK government has announced a new nuclear role for the Royal Air Force using US bombs and aircraft. Dr Philip Webber, SGR, explores the disturbing implications of this surprise announcement.

7 October 2025

Protesters holding a banner that says Stop The Arms Fair

The DSEI arms fair: notes from the front line

Laura Shewan, SGR, reports from the recent protests in London outside the world’s largest ‘exhibition’ of military technology.

6 October 2025


 

WILPF webinar flyer

Military greenhouse gas emissions: large, hidden, unaccountable

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, describes how military activities are hidden within greenhouse gas emissions accounting. However, the available data still points to them being a major contributer to the climate crisis. 

19 September 2025

SGR report cover

Military spending surge is critical threat to climate

Spending on the world’s militaries is climbing rapidly. Dr Stuart Parkinson summarises SGR's major new report examining how this rise is affecting carbon emissions. 

16 September 2025
 

Nuclear explosion

Nuclear weapons: a beginner’s guide to the threats

Dr Philip Webber, SGR, summarises the key scientific and technological information on the current threat from nuclear weapons.

4 August 2025 (updated)


 

Fighter + flames

Military spending and military emissions: the hidden links

Hannah Huibregtsen, Leiden University, highlights the problems of under-reporting of military greenhouse gas emissions, as huge military spending targets are being agreed. 

24 June 2025
 

Trident submarine

UK nuclear weapons: from Vanguard to Dreadnought

Dr Philip Webber, SGR, summarises the latest situation with the UK's nuclear weapons programme, including technical problems, rising costs, and the heightened risks from nuclear confrontation.

27 February 2025