CAMPAIGNERS aiming for 100 bookings for their screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing, as a tribute to Sir David Attenborough‘s 100th birthday, were pleased to exceed their target.
Whitty Theatregoers saw the film on Friday.
It’s based on a conference that took place in Westminster last November.
In it, nine experts discuss the effects that planetary warming will have – is having – on nature, climate and weather extremes, food security, national security, economics, health, energy transition, and fragile tipping points that can lead to sudden and unexpected climate changes.
The facts are stark, but the film gives a message of hope.
Global warming, can be tackled, it says, with a range of solutions – if individuals, communities, and leaders act now.
“The event was extremely successful,” said organiser, Anne Coffey.
“Discussions after the film were animated and productive, as people talked about what they had seen, and considered how we might be able to do more here in Wokingham to prepare for environmental changes that are already beginning to be seen in our weather and biodiversity.
“There was general agreement that the government is not doing enough, either to produce strategies on dealing with climate change and nature degradation, or to prepare for the effects of a fast-changing climate on the UK.”
The film is presented by TV naturalist Chris Packham, with additional commentary from TV Dragon Deborah Meaden, and comedian and actress Jennifer Saunders.
Afterwards, Chris Merchant, Professor in Ocean and Earth Observation at the University of Reading, answered audience questions.
Viewer Humeyra said: “The event was brilliant; quite hard to hear the facts at the beginning, but I was really encouraged by the end because there is a lot we can do to change things.
“It’s really interesting, not too long, and I enjoyed the discussion afterwards.
“I’m going to ask my workplace about showing the film there too.”
Rai, another viewer, said: “I would absolutely recommend the film – it’s brilliant, everyone should see it.
“It should be on every television on repeat.
“I was frustrated and angry about what’s happening to the environment.
“But I’m hopeful, too, because there are things we can do locally, and solutions are already being implemented around the country.”
Organisers had hoped Wokingham MP Clive Jones would attend the event.
“We chose the date to fit in with his diary, so we were disappointed when he didn’t come,” said Anne.
Screenings of the film, with discussion opportunities, are taking place throughout the UK.
Locally, there will be several more opportunities.
“It should be on TV every day, at peak viewing hours, until everyone has seen it,” said viewer Rolf.
“Then things would be very different.
“I’m frustrated about the lack of urgency, action, and interest in climate change.
“There’s such a slow response to this whole issue, and I’m scared for my kids and grandchildren.”
The next local screening is at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley, on Friday, May 29 at 7pm.
Further summer events will be at:
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Reading’s Climate Festival, Friday, June 5
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Caversham Heights Methodist Church, on Wednesday, June 10
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Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC) on Friday, June 12
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Caversham Gosbrook Rd Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 16
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St Barnabas Parish Centre on Tuesday, June 30, and
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The Mill at Sonning theatre on Tuesday, August 18
Booking is free.
For tickets to the next event in Woodley, people can visit: eventbrite.co.uk (search for people’s emergency briefing for Earley and Woodley).
For more information, visit: nebriefing.org
