THE FIRST public screening of an environmental documentary information film will be shown in Reading this week.
The People’s Emergency Briefing film looks at the implications of global warming on health, food systems, national security and the economy.
It was made following the National Emergency Briefing (NEB), held in Westminster for an invited audience of over 1,200 politicians and decision-makers from business, culture, sport, and the media.
Scientists and experts gave 10-minute presentations at the briefing, last November, about the threats that climate breakdown and nature degradation pose to the UK.
The government’s own report from DEFRA states: ‘Global ecosystem degradation and collapse threaten UK national security and prosperity’.
That report was intended to be published in October but was held back by the government until February, when a redacted version was published.
“People will have noticed the increased cost of chocolate, if they purchased Easter Eggs recently,” say screening organisers, “but they may not have realised that severe droughts in Africa caused a rise in the price of cocoa and therefore the price of chocolate.
“The UK is not self-sufficient in food production, so climate change affecting other countries is affecting us all.”
The People’s Emergency Briefing film is lighter in tone than the national briefing, but is still alarming, and will have an impact on viewers who are still unaware of the severity of the situation.
It is presented by leading experts, with Chris Packham and Deborah Meaden, and brings the latest science, evidence, and ideas for change.
There will be time after the screening for reactions, and to discuss what it means locally.
Screenings will take place across the UK, with over a thousand already planned in town halls, cathedrals and community centres around the country.
More screenings will take place in other venues around Reading in the coming months, with the next one to be shown in Newtown, East Reading.
The People’s Emergency Briefing film can be seen at the Quaker Friends’ Meeting House, Church Street, Reading, on Sunday, April 19 at 5pm.
The event is free, and there is no need to book, but spaces will be filled on a first come first served basis.
For information, visit: nebriefing.org and midthamesquakers.org.uk
