Is the world preparing for the apocalypse? | BBC News

Overview

The programme examines whether governments and individuals should prepare for severe emergencies, and whether the growing interest in “prepping” reflects sensible readiness or fear of societal collapse.

Risks and preparedness

Disaster-planning expert Lucy Easthope explains philosopher Nick Bostrom’s “black ball” idea: technological advances can bring benefits, but may also create risks capable of destroying civilisation. She distinguishes these extreme possibilities from more manageable “grey ball” risks, such as major weather events, disease, food shortages, power failures and data disruptions.

In the UK, flooding is a particularly significant hazard. Cyberattacks and epidemic disease are also concerns in countries such as the UK and US.

The UK’s new “Be Ready” campaign asks households to be able to manage for 72 hours, with supplies such as water, non-perishable food, medicine, torches and phone chargers. The advice is intended to help people cope during an emergency and give local responders time to reach those most in need—not to suggest that an apocalypse is imminent.

Easthope says the UK was late compared with some other countries and stresses that household preparation cannot replace government action. She also raises concerns about how difficult it can be for authorities to assess food security when supply-chain information is held by private companies.

The culture of prepping

Journalist Gabriel Gatehouse describes prepping as a tradition shaped by Cold War fears and, particularly in the US, by self-reliance and suspicion of government. Today, some wealthy technology leaders are reportedly making plans for crises, including building bunkers.

Gatehouse also discusses British prepper Mike Chapel, who keeps a large food reserve and relies on a network of like-minded people. Preppers may feel vindicated by official advice, though some argue that three days of supplies is not enough and recommend preparing for longer.

A prepper outlook can involve secrecy and the assumption that people will be left to fend for themselves. The programme contrasts this with the value of sharing resources and helping neighbours.

Presenters and contributors

• Tristan Redman — presenter
• Lucy Easthope — disaster-planning expert
• Gabriel Gatehouse — journalist
• Mike Chapel — prepper featured in recorded material