Sold-out screening sparks climate conversations in Portsmouth

More than 80 people attended a sold-out climate film screening at Portsmouth Cathedral last weekend, with local politicians and church leaders among those in the audience.

The event, on Saturday May 30, was organised by Portsmouth Climate Collective and hosted by the cathedral as part of its Eco Church commitments. It was the sixth time the film has been screened in the city.

Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean Harriet Neale-Stevens introduced the film, which was shown against the backdrop of a record-breaking May heatwave across the UK.

Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan, Deputy Mayor Suzy Horton and cabinet member for climate change Kimberly Barrett were among those who attended.

Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South said: “It was helpful to attend to listen to ideas and concerns and my thanks to those who have organised the events across our city.

“Not only is the climate and nature crisis one of the most serious and urgent within our time, as a coastal city Portsmouth is especially susceptible to potential consequences, such as flooding, if left unaddressed.”

In a social media post following his visit, Cllr Dave Ashmore said: “We live in Portsmouth and we aren’t immune to the effects, in fact being surrounded by sea the rise in sea levels could prove particularly damaging to us – including severe flooding.

“There was some good scientifically backed data included, and also some economic facts to help beat any misinformation that has been floating about.

“I just want to thank the organisers for putting these screenings on around Portsmouth, and for the constructive discussions of how to move forward and of how this message can be better communicated.”

Miriam Sampson, from the Eco Church Group for Farlington Parish and part of the organising group, said churches were “deeply embedded” in communities, making them well-placed to host the screening.

She added that the Bible “speaks powerfully about care for creation, justice, and peace,” and said organisers hoped the film would help people “make more informed choices about how they live, work, and vote.”

The documentary features testimony from experts including Lt Gen. Richard Nugee, a former British Army officer, who warned of crises in food, health, infrastructure, migration, energy and extreme weather “all hitting at the same time.”

He said his greatest concern was “the potential of an ungovernable state.”

Residents can sign a parliamentary petition calling for a national nature and climate emergency debate here.

A follow-up workshop is being held this Saturday, June 6, at 10:30am at Southsea Cinema on Palmerston Road.