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.

Nuclear weapons are now illegal

On 22nd January 2021, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) became part of international law. As the world marks the anniversary of the dropping of the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Dr Philip Webber, SGR, examines the implications of this new UN treaty.

6 August 2021

More fight, less fuel: the military approach to climate change

As NATO publishes its new climate plan, Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, questions whether the current military interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is serious.

15 June 2021

The carbon bootprint of the military (June 2021)

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, looks at the latest data on military carbon emissions, both in the UK and internationally - revealing the actual extent of the 'carbon bootprint'. He also outlines the threat to the climate from nuclear weapons.

3 June 2021

Brexit Britain’s security policy: cutting aid to spend on weapons

Britain’s security and defence priorities in the wake of Brexit emphasise high tech military equipment such as robotic and nuclear weapons, while overseas aid is slashed and action on climate change remains inadequate. Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, assesses the situation.

11 May 2021

The military carbon bootprint and arms conversion

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, outlines how the military fuels climate change - and thus how there is an urgent need for arms conversion. He summarises the latest data on the 'military carbon boot-print' and looks at examples of arms conversion, from the 1976 Lucas Plan to the 2020 Ventilator Challenge.

23 April 2021

The carbon footprint of military sectors in the EU

Militaries use a lot of fossil fuels, yet are frequently exempt from publicly reporting their carbon emissions. SGR and CEOBS examine EU military carbon footprints in a new report by Stuart Parkinson and Linsey Cottrell.

23 February 2021

Military v climate spending in the UK

In November 2020, the UK government announced a huge increase in military spending, a modest increase in climate change spending, and an enormous cut to the overseas aid budget. Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, looks at the implications for Britain's effort to tackle the climate crisis.

22 February 2021

Military involvement in UK universities - an update

Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, outlines how a major increase in UK military spending will draw universities further into programmes related to nuclear weapons, armed drones, and military space technology - fuelling arms races and decreasing international security.

24 January 2021

Scientists welcome entry into force of nuclear weapons ban treaty

Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) welcomes the entry into force of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and calls on the UK government to support it.

22 January 2021

UK military & security policy announcements: SGR response

SGR response to UK govt announcements on boosting military spending, cutting aid spending, and slightly increasing climate spending.

30 November 2020

Issues: Security and disarmament