The current tensions between the US and Russia could result in a nuclear war, but new research warns that it could be catastrophic. Rutgers University researchers say that a nuclear war will lead to a worldwide famine that could wipe out approximately two-thirds of the global population. 

Five billion people would die hungry if the US-and Russia started a nuclear war. 

A nuclear war could result in over five billion people dying because of hunger. For the first time in years, the Russian invasion of Ukraine threatens the possibility of a nuclear conflict. Researchers based their work on computer simulations. 

Lead study author Prof Lili Xia stated that the data indicates that we must do everything to avoid a nuclear war. 

According to models, firestorms could release soot into the atmosphere, obstructing the sun and leading to worldwide crop failure. It is vital to note that over 13,000 nuclear weapons are currently in the hands of nine countries. Interestingly even a conflict involving newly developed nuclear powers would severely disrupt the food supply and cause widespread hunger.

The researchers determined soot spread from more minor Pakistan-India wars and a massive US-Russia conflict, depending on the size of each nation’s nuclear arsenal. They estimated the effect on rice, maize, soybean, and spring wheat production nation-by-nation. The study also forecasted changes in marine fisheries and livestock pastures. Findings indicated that the war between Pakistan and India resulted in a 75 decline in caloric production in five years. 

The US-Russia war could cause starvation to 75% of the planet 

Based on the models, if there is to be a nuclear conflict between the US and Russia, it could lead to a 90% increase in three to four years after the war is over. The most severely affected will be crop declines, especially in mid-to-high latitude countries. 

In a worst-case scenario, that will result in global famine for over 75% of the planet in two years. Interestingly minimizing waste and using crops used as livestock feed will have the most negligible benefit.