“It’s the people who’re not here that we need to be concerned about.”

That comment summed up the reaction of the Bishopsteignton audience to the National Emergency Briefing film at one of the thousands of free public screenings taking place around the UK, writes Philippa Davies.

It’s an edited version of the presentation to MPs at Westminster last November, when 10 experts explained how the rapidly escalating rise in global temperatures is predicted to affect food production, national security, public health and the economy.

The film also sets out the actions that can be taken now to prevent the worst-case scenario; actions which, the experts say, will also improve the economy and public health. Top of the list is replacing fossil fuels with clean energy, along with transforming the food system and treating nature as crucial infrastructure.

The experts are pushing for a ‘societal tipping point’ which makes the necessary changes inevitable. To help bring this about, and to combat disinformation about the climate and nature crisis, they’re calling on the UK government to hold a prime-time televised emergency briefing to fully inform the public about the risks to their homes, health and livelihoods.

The screening in Bishopsteignton at the end of last month was organised by the parish council’s Climate Impact Action Group. They invited local councillors and representatives from local schools, businesses, churches, farms and community groups. Around 50 people attended, and stayed on to discuss their reactions and ideas afterwards.

One comment - “We need legislative frameworks that only government can introduce” – was supported by most of the audience. Another person said: “Our lives have to change – they have to be uncomfortable, to some extent.” People talked about the need for drastic, large-scale measures rather than individual actions, while also suggesting that communities could work together in some ways – for example by bulk-buying solar panels for their homes. Many audience members thought the film should be shown in local schools.

In a show of hands on the campaign for a televised public information broadcast, the support was unanimous.

The local MP Martin Wrigley was unable to attend the Bishopsteignton screening, but was at the original Westminster briefing and a recent screening in Dawlish. He’s also signed the MPs’ letter calling for the televised briefing.

He said: ““The Government drive to turn to renewables is the right thing to do, and we have to see it move quicker. Government must remove the link in energy bills to the price of gas, this is driving bills higher than they should be.”

“I receive a high number of messages from constituents on the need for action and recently joined a Citizens’ Assembly in Newton Abbot looking at urgent actions I could take back to parliament.

“For me, Climate Change is one of the most important issues for our area.

“When parties call to open new oil or gas reserves – they ignore the fact that they would take ten years to develop and not relieve current cost pressures. Existing fields have so little gas left if wouldn’t even make a dent.”

For information on local screenings of the National Emergency Briefing film visit https://www.nebriefing.org/screening-map