Climate crisis film pulls in the crowds at Lancaster screening

The screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing was followed by a public discussion around responses and to the issues raised – and how essential it is that the community takes action.

After recent flooding in Lancaster, and a summer of intense heatwaves, the audience shared many concerns about local climate resilience and adaption in Lancaster and Morecambe.

Tickets for this event were so in demand that a further screening is being planned for later this month at The Gregson Centre.

The screening formed part of a UK programme of events designed to help communities engage with the climate and nature crisis, and is supported, and presented, by naturalist Chris Packham.

The 50-minute film contains 10 presentations from leading researchers and experts, interlaced with reactions and responses from real people and celebrities.

Cat Thomas, who facilitated the event, said: “It is coming up to a year since the first screenings of this urgent film, and since then thousands more have been held across the UK – and now globally, too.

"The message is clear: it is vital we continue to push for a televised briefing, so that the country can be prepared for the crises to come – and so they can elect officials who will actually make the crucial adaptions necessary for the UK to face the very real threat to our safety, health and economy.

“The film shows us that the solutions are all there – and they don’t just help the planet, they are indisputably better for health, wellbeing, safety, national security and the economy.

"The audience all felt galvanised by hearing the experts prove this – but that feeling also came with frustration: why aren’t those in power acting on this clear and direct call for urgent action?”

The film screenings are designed so that the audience can collectively process the startling information the film contains, and discuss together ways to turn their worry or panic into positive action.

“The audience’s anger turned very quickly to a desire to take action. I was proud to see a full show of hands in the room of those planning now to write to our MP, for example. We also reflected on how lucky we were in Lancaster to have many ways to get involved locally in sustainable, climate-focused projects.”

Council leader Caroline Jackson said: “The screening was a really moving experience. If you haven’t been, please go to the next one. The reaction of people there was truly heartfelt – it was inspiring to see friends and neighbours determined to take individual and collective action to lobby government to protect our planet.”

One such way to take action was announced at the screening by Cat Thomas and local parent Lynne Davies-Craine, who are launching a ‘Parents For Future’ group, which will invite members from Lancaster and surrounding areas.

This group will meet and hold events regularly to provide support, solidarity and take collective action on the climate crisis – anyone with children and young people in their lives is welcome. You can express an interest by emailing [email protected].

Another parent who attended the screening said: “A comment that will remain with me is when a young person in attendance said she felt the most important thing we could all do is “keep talking” – hold those difficult conversations, stop the terrifying information from being taboo, and empower those around you to pay attention and take action.

"I couldn’t agree more, and the format of a People’s Emergency Briefing screening is the perfect foundation for this. I also look forward to taking action with other parents in my area, so we can show our children that we are trying to build a fairer and greener future for them.”

Further screening events are coming up in Lancaster and Morecambe, including an additional screening at The Gregson Centre at the end of the month.