Why does nobody seem to care that the world is ending? In the first part of Alice Snedden’s Bad News Saves the World, Alice goes in search of answers, and ways to ensure her survival.

Almost nine years ago, 195 countries signed the Paris Climate Accords, promising to make changes to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C. Today, none are on track to meet their targets. With the help of experts and Rose Matafeo, Alice deduces that if things continue as they are, the world will end and we’re going to kill each other to survive.

Dismayed by the bad news, Alice sets out to find out what the most likely temperature increase will mean for humans. It’s more bad news. “There is no scenario where climate change continues unabated and the fate of humanity is not miserable,” says Shamubeel Eaqub. Not even Alice’s idea of a giant dome would save us. 

Despite lacking any practical skills Alice manages to light a fire during her wilderness survival training.  Reflecting on her chances of individual survival in a societal breakdown with her trainer Stu Gilbert, she realises toilets shouldn’t be a top priority, and that her chances are low. 

Alice Snedden’s Bad News is made with the support of NZ On Air. Watch all the other episodes here.