Meaning: The quote by Joseph Rotblat, a prominent physicist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, raises concerns about the excessive number of nuclear warheads in the world and the destructive potential they hold. The START 2 treaty, to which he refers, is a strategic arms reduction treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union/Russia that aimed to limit and reduce the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads. The treaty was signed in 1993 but was never fully ratified and implemented by both parties.

In the quote, Rotblat emphasizes that even if the START 2 treaty were to be fully implemented, there would still be an alarming 15,000 nuclear warheads in existence, both active and in reserve. The magnitude of this number is staggering, especially when considering the destructive power of these warheads. Rotblat uses the analogy of the Hiroshima bomb, the first atomic bomb used in warfare, to illustrate the potential devastation, stating that the combined yield of these warheads is equivalent to 20 times the destructive force of the Hiroshima bomb.

The use of the term "Hiroshima bombs" in the quote is particularly poignant. The dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945 resulted in unprecedented destruction and loss of life. By invoking this historical event, Rotblat underscores the catastrophic consequences that could arise from the use of the 15,000 nuclear warheads he mentions. The comparison serves as a stark reminder of the immense danger posed by the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Joseph Rotblat was a dedicated advocate for nuclear disarmament and an outspoken critic of the proliferation of nuclear weapons. His work in the field of nuclear physics and his involvement in the Manhattan Project, which developed the first atomic bomb, led him to become a strong proponent of nuclear non-proliferation. Rotblat's efforts culminated in his founding of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, an organization dedicated to addressing the threats posed by nuclear weapons and promoting peaceful resolution of international conflicts.

Rotblat's quote reflects his deep-seated concerns about the global nuclear arsenal and the urgent need for disarmament. It serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive capabilities of nuclear weapons and the imperative for international cooperation to reduce and ultimately eliminate them. The quote encapsulates the ongoing challenges and dangers associated with nuclear proliferation, urging world leaders and the public to confront the pressing issue of nuclear disarmament.

In conclusion, Joseph Rotblat's quote encapsulates the sobering reality of the vast number of nuclear warheads in existence and their potentially catastrophic impact. His emphasis on the destructive power of these warheads, likened to multiple Hiroshima bombs, serves as a poignant call to action for nuclear disarmament. The quote stands as a testament to Rotblat's unwavering commitment to promoting peace and security through the eradication of nuclear weapons, and it continues to resonate as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address the perils of nuclear proliferation.