Nobel Peace Prize 2024: Honouring N-bomb Survivors and the Disarmament Movement

Sub: Sci

Sec: Nuclear sector

Why in News

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This recognition brings attention to the global movement for nuclear disarmament and the significant role played by the survivors, known as “Hibakusha,” in raising awareness about the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons.

About Nihon Hidankyo:

The Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, the only nationwide organization representing survivors of the atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
Nihon Hidankyo was recognized for its continuous efforts to achieve a nuclear-weapon-free world. The organization has contributed immensely to raising awareness about the humanitarian costs of nuclear weapons.
Since 1901, at least 10 Nobel Peace Prizes have been awarded for contributions to the cause of nuclear disarmament. Previous recipients include Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato in 1974, credited for maintaining Japan’s non-nuclear stance, and the International Campaign to Abolish nuclear weapons (ICAN) in 2017, recognized for its work towards a treaty-based prohibition of nuclear weapons.

About Hibakusha:

Hibakusha is a Japanese term meaning “bomb-affected people.” It refers to the survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II (1945).
Hibakusha experienced severe health effects, including radiation sickness, cancer, and genetic damage. Many suffered long-term psychological trauma.
Hibakusha have been at the forefront of the global movement to abolish nuclear weapons.
Their efforts contributed to the establishment of a nuclear taboo, preventing the use of nuclear weapons since 1945.
The term “nuclear taboo” refers to the global reluctance to use nuclear weapons since 1945, largely due to the devastating consequences witnessed in Japan.

Background on Atomic Bombings (1945)

Hiroshima Bombing (August 6, 1945): The United States dropped the first atomic bomb, “Little Boy,” on Hiroshima, killing over 70,000 people instantly. The total death toll crossed 100,000 in the following weeks.
Nagasaki Bombing (August 9, 1945): A second bomb, “Fat Man,” was dropped on Nagasaki, killing around 40,000 people instantly, with thousands more dying due to after-effects in the weeks that followed.

About Atomic Bomb

The atomic bomb is also known as A-bomb, atom bomb, nuclear bomb, or nuclear warhead.
The atomic bomb gets its destructive property from nuclear fission reactions or from the combination of nuclear fission or fusion reactions.
Nuclear fission: It is a process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or smaller nuclear fission products and usually some by-product particles. Hence, fission is a form of elemental transmutation.
Atomic bombs too release an enormous amount of energy when exploded and cause mass destruction.
This explosion is caused due to the nuclear fission reaction where the splitting of nuclei of a heavy element like uranium, and plutonium takes place

The Explosion of Atomic Bomb:

When the neutron strikes the nucleus of a uranium-235 or plutonium-239 isotope, it causes the nucleus of the atom to split into two fragments, each of which is a nucleus with about half the protons and neutrons of the original nucleus.
When the splitting takes place, a high amount of heat, gamma rays, as well as two or more neutrons are released.
Under certain conditions, the neutrons are made to fission more with uranium nuclei, which then emit more neutrons that split more nuclei. This series multiplies, resulting in an explosion.