The People's Emergency Briefing: experts want everyone, especially your MP, to see this film
With climate breakdown in stark focus, community groups are organising screenings of the briefing across the UK.
XR Lewisham, along with a coalition of community groups, organised the fifth People's Emergency Briefing (PEB) screening to be held in Lewisham, at the Somerville community centre in New Cross Gate on 30 June.
Ten different academics and experts provide a very short update of the climate and nature crisis as it is playing out in their area, covering extreme weather, tipping points, food security, health impacts, national security and more.
In every case, they provide clear advice on what needs to be done now, how we need to change course, and the urgency of preventing catastrophe.
Audience were invited to discuss their feelings and responses after the film. Images: Alex Hyndman
Hugh Montgomery is a professor in medicine at University College London and an intensive care doctor "my day job is emergencies".
He explains how without a functioning economy and without a food supply, "we cannot have a health service, we cannot have health."
"I'm scared for my own life and future," he says. "I'm absolutely terrified for that of my son."
Following the sobering film, the audience share their feelings with others, there is discussion and a call to action.
Councillors Katie Anderson and Robin McGhee and XR activists Anna and Kam-Mei spoke. Images: Alex Hyndman
Dr Charlie Gardner, conservation scientist and Claire Farrell, co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, spoke and facilitated the discussion.
Green councillors Katie Anderson and Robin McGhee, co-chairs of Lewisham's Sustainable Development Committee explained their role and committed to working with the local community groups.
Annabelle Roberts, Green councillor for Forest Hill, also offered support.
The briefing aims to raise public awareness of the desperate situation we are in, while stressing that solutions exist and to galvanise political action to embrace them.
All attendees are asked to contact their MP, organise more screenings and take further action.
You can contact the organisers of last week's briefing: PEBLewisham@gmail.com
Find out more about the National Emergency Briefing including further screenings across the UK https://www.nebriefing.org/screening-map.
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