Key requirements for a government emergency briefing
We think that government should level with the public about major risks that affect them. In fact, we think that is a fundamental principle of democracy.
Below are the core principles that should underpin a live, government-led televised emergency briefing on the climate and nature crisis. The aim is to reset public understanding, communicating the scale and immediacy of the threats as well as the enormous benefits of bold action - helping build support for a collective national response.
The briefing should be:
Introduced by the Prime Minister - to signal the highest level of national importance and responsibility.
Honest about the scale and immediacy of the risks, without alarmism, and framed as a non-partisan national challenge requiring a government-led collective response.
Delivered by trusted independent experts selected for their recognised authority and credibility.
Broadcast at prime time on multiple channels - TV, radio, online, billboards, leaflets, subtitles/translations to maximise reach.
Clear about solutions and choices, including the many benefits of acting decisively including homes better able to cope with heat and cold, lower bills, better health, stronger energy and food security, restored nature and economic resilience.
Focused on real-world UK impacts, explaining what the crisis means for people here in the UK, now and in the coming years.
Clear about the interconnected nature of the crisis, including food supply, health, economic stability and national security.
Explicit about the costs of continued inadequate action, including risks to insurance markets and rising costs of impacts.
Explicit about lower-likelihood but very high-impact risks, including potential AMOC collapse and other systemic threats.
Grounded in updated risk assessments and national security advice, explaining why the briefing is being delivered now.
Framed around collective agency, helping people feel informed, grounded and motivated rather than overwhelmed.
Focused on preparedness and resilience, explaining how communities can act now to prepare for coming changes.
Seriously staged and presented, with a setting that conveys gravity, credibility and national purpose.
Trailed in advance, for example: “The Prime Minister will address the nation…”, to build anticipation and legitimacy.
Accompanied by a commitment to provide regular updates on emerging risks and progress in managing them.
The briefing should be presented as the start of a national process, not a one-off event. It should announce:
Support for local authority-led community conversations on risks, priorities and responses including local resilience plans.
Clear routes for participation by citizens, businesses, public institutions and civil society.
The aim is to leave people informed, grounded and motivated; to establish a shared baseline of understanding; to reinforce a sense of collective agency; and to signal the need for coordinated action across government, business and society.
Could an honest briefing cause panic?
We understand that some senior politicians are concerned that being honest about the crisis could cause panic. How risks are communicated matters: people need clear explanations, credible leadership and practical ways to respond. Independent research with audiences of our film finds that a majority leave feeling more hopeful, and the vast majority report feeling more motivated to act. This is encouraging evidence, confirming that people can face difficult truths when they also see the possibilities for collective action.
An emergency briefing should mark the start of a sustained national response, with government working alongside local authorities, businesses and civil society. It should be backed by action at the scale and pace the risks demand. Being told that a threat is serious while seeing little meaningful response across large parts of the economy can deepen anxiety. But seeing leaders take responsibility and mobilise the country will build confidence and resolve.
Keeping people in the dark leaves them less prepared and risks undermining trust as worsening climate impacts expose the gap between official reassurance and reality. This is a consideration that minister should consider careful as we face a potentially record-breaking El Niño. People deserve to understand the threats they face, the choices available and the enormous benefits of acting together. Honest communication, backed by decisive action, is a foundation of a resilient nation.
