Stopping nuclear explosions & detecting volcanic eruptions: the successes of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, or CTBT, opened for signature over 25 years ago. The UK signed and ratified the CTBT in 1996 and 1998 respectively, alongside France. The UK is a longstanding supporter – politically, technically and financially – to the CTBT and its Vienna-based organisation, the CTBTO Preparatory Commission.

But what does it do? Put simply, the CTBT bans all nuclear explosions by everyone, everywhere: above ground, underwater and underground.

Before the Treaty existed, over 2,000 nuclear tests took place between the 1950s and 1990s. The CTBT is one of the most successful multilateral treaties ever negotiated, with almost universal adherence – all the more remarkable since it has not entered into force. 186 signatures and 177 ratifications. Only ten States have not signed the Treaty.

These are extremely challenging times for international peace and security. As the Integrated Review Refresh said, the acute threat posed by Russia, and China’s willingness to use all the levers of state power – including acquiring increasing numbers of nuclear weapons – to achieve a dominant role in global affairs means it has never been more important to strengthen the international disarmament regime. The CTBT is a vital part of this regime under the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and we look forward to reiterating our commitment to the CTBT and NPT during the First Preparatory Committee of the 2026 NPT Review Process in Vienna in July and August.

The CTBT’s contribution to science and technology

Despite not yet being in force, the CTBT has been hugely successful. It has effectively created a de facto global norm against nuclear testing. This century only one State – the DPRK – has conducted nuclear tests. The International Monitoring System (IMS), around 90% complete, consists of 321 monitoring stations and 16 laboratories around the globe able to detect nuclear explosions.

But its work also goes beyond nuclear tests. The CTBT’s data helps scientists understand global trends and natural disasters.

CTBT data is used to better inform scientific research on climate change, detect nuclear accidents and emergencies, volcanoes and earthquakes. Data from IMS stations in the Indian Ocean even helped to discover a new species of Pygmy Whale, undiscovered for decades! Last year’s volcanic eruption at the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai volcano was the biggest event ever detected by the CTBTO’s monitoring system.

Nineteen States have signed a Tsunami Warning Agreement with the CTBTO, using the data recorded by cutting-edge technologies at stations to provide accurate, near real-time information to National Tsunami Warning Centres of Member States. This helps States save lives by issuing timely public alerts.

This week in Vienna, the biannual CTBT Science and Technology Conference 2023 is bringing together over 1,000 scientists, academics and diplomats for a week of discussions and presentations to discuss scientific developments and the very real contributions that CTBTO data can make to the world.

The UK remains committed to the goal to bring an end to nuclear weapon test explosions, anywhere on the planet.

#ViennaOpportunities

The CTBTO offers exciting careers, especially for people with scientific and technical skills looking for a career in an international setting.

The UK Mission and British Embassy in Vienna are showcasing stories of Brits working in the international system in Vienna. Follow the conversation on our UK Mission Vienna Twitter and the hashtag #ViennaOpportunities.

If you’re interested in working for an international organisation, you can receive job alerts from impactpool.org.