A SELECTED audience of influential figures gathered in Westminster to hear from 10 leading scientists and experts at a conference to discuss the current climate and nature crisis.
MPs, business leaders, civil servants, and influencial figures in culture, media, faith, and sports were all invited, with more than 80 MPs and 52 Peers attending.
Called the National Emergency Briefing, the conference’s purpose was to reset the national conversation, bypass misinformation, and ensure MPs are fully informed and accountable for future decision-making.
Opened by naturalist and television presenter Chris Packham CBE, the event was held at Central Hall Westminster on November 27.
Speakers covered a wide range of issues affected by the current climate and nature crisis, including: energy transition, weather extremes, food security, health, national security, and economics.
Highlighting the implications for the UK, and exploring possible future pathways were: event chair Prof Mike Berners-Lee; climate scientist Prof Kevin Anderson; environmental lawyer Tessa Khan; climate change authority Prof Hayley Fowler; biodiversity expert Prof Nathalie Seddon; food security authority Prof Paul Behrens; intensive care expert Prof Hugh Montgomery OBE; retired senior British Army officer Lt Gen Rihar Nugee CB CVO CBE; director of Policy Solutions at WWF-UK Angela Francis; and climate change and Earth system science expert Prof Tim Lenton OBE.
University of Reading climate scientists Prof Andrew Charlton-Perez OBE and Prof Chris Merchant both attended the Emergency Briefing on Climate and Nature.
Andrew Charlton-Perez said: “Even as a climate scientist, attending the briefing was both sobering and insightful.
“Since the climate and nature crises cross so many different aspects of society, it’s really important to be able to see causes, consequences and solutions presented clearly together.
“I can see huge value in similar briefings for groups around the country.”
Chris Merchant added: “The briefing was alarming, but not alarmist.
“The risks from the climate and nature crises are accelerating.
“But there was also this clear message : if we face the urgent reality — that we must ditch fossil fuels to stabilise our climate— we can create the profound positive changes we need.”
The event was recorded, and will be made available as a public information film to be shown in communities across the UK.
