Chippenham People's Emergency Briefing screening attracts more than 100 people
Over 100 people gathered at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham on Saturday 5th September for a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing film. It was followed by a public discussion about what the issues raised in the film mean nationally and locally.
The screening formed part of a wider UK programme of events designed to help communities engage with the climate and nature crisis. It is supported by naturalist Chris Packham, who has said: “I’d encourage people everywhere to attend a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing. This new film creates exactly the kind of honest local conversation we now urgently need, both about the threat from climate and nature breakdown, but also about what we can do, together with our politicians, to build a better future.”
Discussion afterwards was wide ranging, but one main theme was the summer of extreme heat, with attendees generally agreeing that the climate crisis has already become a reality impacting everyday life in the UK. People commented on year-round extremes of weather,
with winter concerns - flooding and the cost of energy for heating - now being followed by stifling heat, impacting jobs, health and daily life and requiring energy and money to cool buildings to a safer level. People also voiced ideas on a range of positive ways to help - from taking personal action, at home and locally, to discussing the issues with friends, to backing policies and projects for wider ‘system’ change.
The film screened is part of a campaign to build support and understanding of the need for urgent, bold action from the government by broadcasting a national televised briefing on the risks. Chippenham’s MP Sarah Gibson, who is one of 145 MPs who has already signed a cross-party parliamentary call to this effect, attended the event. She stressed the need for people to write to her to evidence their support for the campaign, and to call for action on the issues raised. When asked who would write to her to do this, a sea of hands were raised.
Dr Nick Murry, from Zero Chippenham who ran the event, said:
“It was truly inspiring to see so many people turn out for this event, to talk about the issues together honestly and openly, and to see their concern turn into momentum for action. Whilst there were plenty of questions about how we get there, there was clear consensus that things need to change, and that a televised briefing would help build that change.”
Zero Chippenham ended the event by offering copies of the new ‘Chippenham Eco Map’. The map, featuring beautifully illustrated scenes by local artist Kelly Wariner, highlights 21 fantastic established projects which are helping Chippenham to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut waste, protect and enhance natural spaces, and provide co-benefits to ease the cost of living and improve health and wellbeing. The map will be published on Zero Chippenham’s website, and they urge anyone who wants to get involved locally to get in touch.
