As the United Kingdom faces escalating climate and ecological challenges with broad implications for its economy, public health, and infrastructure, a coalition of leading experts has called on Mayor Andy Burnham to hold a nationally televised emergency briefing. The open letter, signed by prominent figures in climate science, public health, and the military, urges a transparent, expert-led discussion to inform the public about the severity of the crisis and the opportunities for national renewal.
The letter highlights the increasing visibility of climate impacts across the UK this summer, citing heatwaves that have strained health services, disrupted transportation, and damaged agriculture. In particular, extreme heat in May and June is estimated to have contributed to over 2,700 deaths in England and Wales alone. According to the signatories, such losses typically prompt an immediate, coordinated response from government leadership, yet a comprehensive national address outlining the crisis and response strategy has not occurred.
Experts emphasize that climate change acts as a "threat multiplier," exacerbating vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, water resources, energy systems, public health, and economic resilience. At the same time, they note that tackling these issues presents significant opportunities for economic reinvigoration, including industrial investment and job creation.
The appeal builds on last November’s National Emergency Briefing, which featured presentations from nine UK authorities on climate and ecological risks and the associated social and economic benefits of decisive action. The event’s recorded film, the People’s Emergency Briefing, has been screened with facilitated discussions at more than 2,300 venues nationwide, reportedly engaging over 100,000 people. Preliminary survey data from the University of Bath indicates that these events have fostered increased hopefulness, awareness, and motivation to take action among participants.
The authors argue that the public’s willingness to engage constructively demonstrates a readiness for frank communication about the scale of the challenges and the pathways forward. They urge Burnham to deliver a live, prime-time televised briefing featuring independent experts to build a shared understanding and democratic mandate for comprehensive societal response.
More than 100 members of Parliament have reportedly endorsed a related Parliamentary Call supporting such a briefing. The letter underscores that transparent communication could transform public apprehension into agency and inspire coordinated efforts toward a "richer, fairer, healthier, more resilient and more hopeful society," alongside a cleaner, stronger economy.
Signatories to the letter include distinguished academics such as Professor Mike Berners-Lee, Chair of the National Emergency Briefing; Professor Kevin Anderson, energy and climate expert at the University of Manchester; and Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, retired senior British Army officer, among others. The group contends that seizing this moment for open dialogue represents vital national and international leadership in confronting the climate and ecological emergencies confronting the UK.