How do governments and militaries test out nuclear weapons without creating disastrous effects on the environment/ecosystem?

Question

Just like the title says, I don’t understand how they can test nuclear bombs in the desert, or Bikini Atoll (in the ocean) without permanently irradiating the ecosystem (and consequently, Earth) beyond repair.

They’ve tested dozens and dozens of nuclear bombs throughout the years, and I’m confused why that hasn’t messed our world up?

In: 352

Answer 1

Well (shuffles uncomfortably) we really (wipes sweat from forehead) WE DONT (begins to sob uncontrollably).

We are digging holes and etching warnings in stone for future generations, you know in case we all die and forget. There are vast subterranean wastelands, whole swathes of uninhabitable land that is a testament to our failure.