We need a plan B: Engaging with the realities of catastrophic climate risk
The UK faces escalating climate and ecological risks. We may not know exactly when and where they will happen, although their severity and likelihood keep getting worse. Yet climate discourse remains trapped in winning debates that cannot be resolved in time for us to adequately prepare.
This online launch with Theo Cox, Liam Kavanagh and Rupert Read introduces a bold new report arguing that it is a profound and dangerous mistake to assume that climate debates will be “won” politically before disaster strikes. From disputes over economic growth and degrowth, to disagreements about modelling, technological breakthroughs, and tipping points, consensus at the scale and speed required is unlikely.
So what should we do instead?
The report makes the case for a fundamental shift:
- Moving beyond interminable argument
- Embracing precaution and “no-regrets” action
- Developing a credible, attractive Plan B for national resilience
It explores how cascading environmental breakdown, underestimated systemic risks, and mounting evidence around climate tipping points demand serious preparation — even if they cannot be perfectly predicted (as most things in life). Using the growth/degrowth debate as a case study, the authors argue that betting the future on winning ideological battles is a losing strategy. Instead, the UK must begin concrete planning for plausible worst-case scenarios.
This event will:
- Outline the core argument of the report
- Examine the shortcomings of current climate discourse
- Explore what a resilient, secure, and potentially more attractive post-BAU economy could look like, including through Strategic Adaptation
- Invite participation in a necessary national conversation about preparedness
- Open the floor for questions and comments
At a time when evidence continues to revise risks upward — and when cascading crises are no longer theoretical — real prudence demands that we act without waiting for total certainty.
Join us on to discuss why preparedness, not victory in debate, may be the only victory that matters.
Our breakfast seminars generally open at 8.15, do join us with your breakfast if you would like, so we can start promptly at 8.30am.
