Portsmouth screenings aim to spark action on climate breakdown
The risks from climate breakdown are being brought to screens in Portsmouth in a vivid film.
City residents are being invited to attend free screenings of The People’s Emergency Briefing, with a showing on the Guildhall Square big screen also being considered.
Among those attending was Jim Al-Khalili, the Portsmouth-based scientist and television presenter, who praised the film’s approach.
He said: “The remarkably powerful message of this film is not that it quotes the usual stats about the impact of climate change, like how many parts per million of CO2 there are in the atmosphere. That doesn’t mean much to the average person. No, it’s how it is already starting to impact our everyday lives in so many different ways that is so terrifying.
“Every single human on this planet should be doing what they can, however small or insignificant they think that is, to save the world from this looming catastrophe.
“The film has a positive message that the solutions are there already. We just need to act on them – now”.
A central proposal within the documentary is for a government-backed emergency broadcast to be aired across the UK’s main television channels.
Campaigners are encouraging residents to contact their MPs in support of the idea.
Portsmouth Climate Collective said the screenings are intended to bring communities together and encourage people to become part of a growing movement for change.
Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “The council is aware of the People’s Emergency Briefing film, and we are exploring opportunities to share it internally with staff and councillors as part of our ongoing work on climate awareness and learning.
“We have been approached about a public screening on The Big Screen and we are considering this.
“We continue to work with partners across the city to support climate resilience and nature recovery, including through projects such as Nature Positive Portsmouth.”
The next free screening in Portsmouth will take place on 15 May at 7pm at the Church of the Resurrection in Drayton, featuring special guest Lt Gen Richard Nugee.
Further screenings will be held on 16 May at Southsea Cinema on Palmerston Road at 6pm, followed by a 2pm screening at Portsmouth Cathedral on 30 May.
More information can be found on the Portsmouth Climate Action website.
The People’s Emergency Briefing is a short documentary featuring senior figures from the NHS, military and financial sector discussing the risks the UK faces from climate breakdown.The upcoming events follow a recent screening organised by Portsmouth Climate Collective, which drew more than 80 residents to watch the 50-minute film on Friday, 8 May.