Convocation 2019: U of T’s John Polanyi talks about abolishing nuclear weapons

TL;DR

Setsuko Thurlow, a survivor of Hiroshima, advocates for global nuclear disarmament to prevent future tragedies.

Transcript

Well, first of all, chancellor and president, somewhere, thank you for reaching out to our graduates, and thank you for bringing to this university a new graduate, who I've known about for years. It is always an occasion when U of T gives an honorary degree but it is not always a historic occasion, as today is. It is historic because the world chan... Read More

Key Insights

• 🍔 Setsuko Thurlow, a Hiroshima survivor, urges international action on nuclear disarmament.
• 😒 The 1945 use of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki remains unparalleled.
• 🤞 Historical examples like the abolition of the slave trade inspire hope for achieving global disarmament.
• 🥶 Setsuko and the International Campaign to Abolition Nuclear Weapons advocate for a world free from nuclear threats.
• ❤️‍🩹 William Wilberforce's perseverance in ending the slave trade highlights the power of dedication to social reform.
• 🪡 Urgent action is needed to prevent the destructive consequences of nuclear warfare.
• 💦 Setsuko Thurlow and others serve as inspirations for individuals working towards global peace and disarmament.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who is Setsuko Thurlow and why is she significant?

Setsuko Thurlow is a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bomb and a prominent advocate for nuclear disarmament. Her firsthand experience and dedication to prevent future nuclear tragedies make her a key figure in the movement.

Q: Why is the use of nuclear weapons in war important in history?

The use of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 marked the first and only use of such weapons in warfare, leading to catastrophic consequences and emphasizing the urgent need for global disarmament.

Q: How does Setsuko Thurlow's story inspire action towards nuclear disarmament?

Setsuko's resilience, scientific mindset, and commitment to ending the threat of nuclear weapons serve as a powerful inspiration for individuals and nations to work towards a world free of such devastating arms.

Q: What historical example is mentioned to illustrate the possibility of achieving nuclear disarmament?

The example of William Wilberforce's successful campaign to abolish the slave trade in the 18th century is cited to encourage perseverance and belief in achieving seemingly impossible goals like nuclear disarmament.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Setsuko Thurlow, a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bomb, advocates for nuclear disarmament.

• The first and only use of nuclear weapons in war occurred in 1945.

• Setsuko and others work towards an international abolition of nuclear weapons.