Climate Thoughts with Brian

Swinsty Reservoir in 2025

Following last year’s successful National Emergency Briefing on the climate to MPs, more action is still required from the Government to ensure that the public is informed, prepared and protected about the climate and nature breakdown.

To ensure that this happens, multiple venues across the UK will host public viewings of a ‘People’s Emergency Broadcast’. Venues around Yorkshire include: York, Ripon, Bradford, Leeds, Skipton, with more being added, as local organisers continue to finalise plans.

Window of opportunity is narrowing

The National Emergency Briefing organisers argue that, ‘Climate and nature breakdown will affect every constituency in the country, from health and food systems to infrastructure, security to economic stability. This crisis is more serious and immediate than many understand. There is strong evidence that bold, urgent action will improve lives and livelihoods, but the window of opportunity is narrowing as we delay. 

The 50-minute film will combine authoritative scientific content from the Westminster event with reactions from members of the public and some more familiar faces – designed to help audiences process the information on a more human level. It will deliver the frank facts about the threats, but also the enormous benefits if Government leads genuine emergency action.’

Listen to the science

The leading environmentalist Chris Packham warned parliamentarians last year that if the public are not given authoritative scientific information, then a vacuum is created, which is only too quickly filled by agents of delay and disinformation.

‘A dangerous wave of misinformation and lies fills our lives. But worse, it fills the lives of our decision makers. And these are the people who shape policy. Where’s the evidence of this? Well, they just trashed COP30, an instrument that’s always been doomed to fail because to reach any meaningful agreement requires a consensus. And the petro-states have always said no.

And elsewhere, our wider media is either far from independent, outwardly biased, or simply failing in its duty to explain to everyone the gravity of our predicament. We must be able to know what is really going on, and none more so than many of you. Those that we have elected to represent us, to guide us, to protect our future. You must listen to the science. You must listen to the science. Because if you don’t, then things go wrong and lives are lost.’

‘We set our house on fire’

He urged that this was a problem which has been created by us, but also one which can be solved by us through hopeful climate action

‘We are one species on one planet with one big problem and one last chance to sort it out. We have declared war on our one and only home. We set our house on fire so we… that’s you and I… that’s all of us… need to lead the UK on an immediate route to recovery. 

We might be a small country, but we are a great country and I can see some great people out here. A lot of good people. But the world will be lost by a lot of good people doing nothing. So we need action. Hope comes from action. Hope comes from courage.’

‘An escalating polycrisis’

Professor Mike Berners-Lee commented last year at Westminster Central Hall when introducing the aims of the National Emergency Briefing, 

‘Today is about facing an escalating poly crisis instead of pretending that it isn’t happening. And we’re not doing that to be depressing. Quite the opposite. In the words of James Baldwin, human rights campaigner… “Nothing can be changed until it is faced”. And we need that change now.

We’re going to hear on the nature crisis, the climate crisis, extreme weather and then tipping points. And then we’ll move on to the societal impacts that are not fully appreciated here in the UK, on our food system, on our health, and on our national security.

And then we’ll look at the implications, the threats and opportunities for the economy, and we’ll look at what the energy transition looks like.’

Public to become more empowered

Local organiser and Net Zero Officer for the Yorkshire North & East District of the Methodist Church and Net Zero Carbon Programme Lead for the Diocese of York, Tim O’Brien, told me, ‘The upcoming National Emergency Briefing viewing in Ripon offers residents of the city a unique opportunity to engage directly with the latest and best quality scientific evidence available. Our event is part of a broader effort to ensure communities across the country are informed, prepared and empowered to act in times of crisis.’

He continued, ‘These viewings are designed to provide clear, accessible information about national emergency priorities and ongoing preparedness measures. It is important that communities like Ripon have the chance to participate, ask questions and better understand how possible national strategies impact local areas.

As organisers, we hope the event will foster meaningful dialogue between civic leaders, businesses and residents. We are encouraging community members and a wide range of local organisations to attend and engage in the discussions. We won’t be there to lecture people or make them feel guilty. Rather, we hope to see a constructive exchange of ideas and questions and for attendees to leave feeling more informed and connected.’

O’Brien commented further that the overall aim of this national emergency briefing would be one where the public feel more empowered. 

‘A successful event would be one where attendees gain actionable insights and feel empowered to contribute to their community’s climate emergency readiness. Our goal is that these discussions inspire local initiatives, build stronger networks of communication and enhance overall community resilience.’ 

The Ripon viewing is scheduled for 7.30pm on Friday 10 April.