A coalition of leading UK academics, scientists, and experts has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to hold a televised emergency briefing to address the escalating climate and ecological crisis facing the country. In an open letter sent recently, the group urged the government to deliver a clear, evidence-based update on the urgent challenges ahead and the opportunities for national renewal that a coordinated response could bring.
The signatories emphasize that the United Kingdom is confronting rapidly intensifying impacts from climate change and environmental decline, with immediate consequences across multiple sectors including the economy, public health, food security, infrastructure, and national security. They highlight the recent summer heatwaves that have disrupted schooling, strained transport and healthcare systems, and devastated agricultural production. Data indicate that more than 2,700 excess deaths occurred in England and Wales during May and June due to extreme heat alone.
Despite these alarming developments, the letter suggests there has been no cohesive or transparent governmental response reflecting the scale of the crisis. The authors contend that an absence of clear communication from government leadership risks undermining public trust at a critical moment. They argue that climate change should be recognized not only as a threat multiplier exacerbating vulnerabilities in vital systems—such as water, energy, and economic resilience—but also as an unprecedented opportunity to drive economic renewal, industrial investment, and job creation.
The call for an emergency briefing follows a National Emergency Briefing event held in November, where nine prominent experts outlined the challenges and potential benefits of decisive climate action. A 50-minute film of that session, known as the People’s Emergency Briefing, has been screened at over 2,300 community, workplace, and institutional events, reaching upwards of 100,000 attendees. Surveys conducted by the University of Bath indicate that these screenings have increased public awareness and motivation to act, with 58% of respondents reporting feeling more hopeful afterward and nearly 90% stating they feel better informed and more motivated.
The letter’s authors assert that the British public, when provided with transparent and trustworthy information, demonstrates a readiness to engage constructively and support broad societal efforts to tackle the climate crisis. They suggest that a prime-time briefing led by the Prime Minister, featuring independent experts, could establish a shared understanding and democratic mandate essential for a whole-of-society response. More than 100 Members of Parliament have reportedly backed this initiative.
Among the signatories are distinguished figures such as Professor Mike Berners-Lee, Chair of the National Emergency Briefing, Professor Kevin Anderson of the Tyndall Centre, Professor Hayley J. Fowler of Newcastle University, and Lieutenant General Richard Nugee (retired). They argue that such a high-profile government-led communication would foster resilience, hope, and agency among citizens while reinforcing economic growth aligned with environmental sustainability.
The group concludes by urging Prime Minister Burnham to seize this opportunity to lead the UK towards a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable future through transparent and urgent national dialogue on the climate and ecological emergencies.