Responsible Science

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.

How big are global military carbon emissions?

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, summarises the latest research on what is – and isn’t – known about the size of global military carbon emissions.

8 July 2023

UK universities and the further development of killer robots

A new report has uncovered the “disturbingly close” relationship between the military-industrial sector and UK higher education, especially in areas related to Autonomous Weapons Systems. Nico Edwards, Sussex University, summarises the findings.

6 June 2023

UK government carbon targets for military bases are very weak

In a new report, Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, argues that the government target for reducing overall carbon emissions at UK military bases is so weak it could be met without any action by the armed forces.

31 May 2023

Military carbon emissions: what does the data say?

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, summarises the available data on international military carbon emissions. He argues that, as military spending increases rapidly in the wake of the Ukraine war, these emissions are likely to rise as well.

29 May 2023

Eight reasons why UK military spending shouldn’t be increased

The UK government is considering increasing its military budget in the wake of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, outlines eight reasons why this budget should not be increased.

10 March 2023

Back from the brink? Nuclear risks

Presentation by Dr Philip Webber, SGR, summarising the current risks due to nuclear weapons.

3 March 2023

The war in Ukraine: assessing the human and environmental costs

In February, 2022, Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces to invade Ukraine. Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, assesses the data on the impacts of the war during the course of the year – both on the battlefield and beyond it – and considers what the future might hold.

20 February 2023