Nuclear proliferation refers to the spread of nuclear weapons and the technology needed to create them. This can happen when countries that do not have nuclear weapons acquire the knowledge or materials to develop them. The concern is that more nations with nuclear capabilities could lead to increased tensions and the risk of nuclear conflict. Efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation include international treaties like the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which aims to limit the number of countries with nuclear weapons. Organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitor nuclear activities to ensure that nuclear technology is used for peaceful purposes, like energy production, rather than for making weapons.