for Training and Research (UNITAR) emplrasized the vulnerability of the ecosystemsto those in arid, Eropical, arctic, insular and tetnperate reglons. Anong their extremenly harnful and sometimes irreversible effects are the dangera of soil darEge' desertificationr bioLogical disturbances for hunan belngs and livestock, and ozone depletion. f!/ It has been estimated, for example, that. by the year 2000, the continulng nuclear tests would have already dispersed over 120 nilliradsof radiation world-wide. Sinply stated, it neans that these tests have contaninated the biosphere enough to cause one death for each kiloton fission exploded, and could result in about 150,000 prenatule deaths world-wlde. Approximately 90 per cent of these deaths would be expected to occur in the northern hemisphere. Ilowever, it should be noted not only that this figure ls based on an estirnate of the risks associated with low radiation doses, which initself is a rnatter of scientific controversy, but also that, even if that estinateis correct, there is no way of identifying these ca6es anong the nany nillions of other cancer deaths during the same perlod of t irne (see il35/392, annex). 123. An international clinate doninated by the arms race prornotes adversarypolitical relationships nhereln the threat perceptions of various countries always tend to have a lurking element of mis interpre tation. Fear of being defeated in an ongoing confLict and nutual suspicions among nations have had one predominant reason, namely, the nilitary spendlng of rival nations, and one predictable response, that ls, increases ln a nalion's own nilitary spending. Attempts tointerpret inforrnatlon about each otherrs military capabilities always runs the riskof lnflated or deflated projectionsi inflated for intimidating the adversary and deflated for neeting domestic pressures to make resource allocations correspondingwith the needa for socio-econonic develoFnent. Similarly, evidence of aggressive intentions continues to be sought over a whole field of nilitary and non-rnilitary
**Analysis**
The text discusses the impact of nuclear tests on the environment, including soil degradation, desertification, and ozone depletion, which are all related to natural resources and environment. It also touches on the theme of international relations and the arms race, which is a broader issue that affects various aspects of human life. However, the main focus of the text is on the environmental consequences of nuclear tests, which suggests that it is primarily related to Natural Resources and Environment.

**Category**
Natural Resources and Environment