News / National Emergency Briefing
Emergency climate briefings planned across Bristol
A film designed to provoke a response to the climate emergency comparable in scale to that of the Second World War is coming to Bristol.
Presented by Chris Packham, the People’s Emergency Briefing emulates the televised government briefing shown nationwide during wartime to demonstrate the threat of the climate crisis and elicit urgent action.
It documents a National Emergency Briefing that took place in Westminster in November 2025.
Ten leading climate experts briefed an invited audience of more than 1,200 politicians and sector representatives on the implications of the climate and nature breakdown for health, food systems, national security and the economy.
The experts warned that “we’re facing the potential for an ungovernable state” and that climate change “could make our country uninhabitable” as well as laying out positive solutions.
The film is designed to enable local communities and decision makers to see the same evidence as those in Westminster, and has been backed by a wide range of organisations including the National Trust, Church of England, Exeter University, the Royal Meteorological Society, WWF and the National Education Union.
But the government has resisted calls for a nationally televised showing so local groups are hosting their own screenings across the country, with several taking place in Bristol from April to July.
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Judith Sluglett is organising a screening in Henleaze for the Westbury Park Community Association. “We’re seeing more and more extreme weather, floods and heatwaves, here and around the world,” she said. “The People’s Emergency Briefing explains why and how, and what can be done, all in under an hour.
“We hope people will realise how serious it is, that Government will feel the pressure to spread the information across our television sets, and that we can see real effective action.”
Local environmental activist Glenn Vowles has been petitioning Bristol MPs to call for a televised screening of the film. “The National Emergency Briefing on climate and nature is a major initiative to boost widespread discussion, learning and action at all levels of society, especially amongst those in power,” he said.
“My hope is that it generates the sense of urgency that just isn’t there yet and shows how a stable climate is vital to all aspects of our lives, from affordable food to safe communities to a secure future where all can thrive.”
BCfm One Love One Planet presenter Nigel Shipley also welcomes the briefing. “The climate and nature crisis threatens all aspects of British life, from national security to food supply, but solutions exist,” he said. “Our government and media only tell us half the story. It’s time to listen to the whole scientific truth and take action before it is too late.”
Watch the film in Bristol – upcoming screenings:
April 27: Watercress Farm, Belmont Estate, 5.45pm
A screening on the project’s rewilding site followed by a discussion with Eric Heath, the Estate’s director of natural capital and ecology and Jo Hook from TEMWA who attended the National Briefing event, as well as local MPs.
April 27: Peoples Republic of Stokes Croft, 7pm
Presented by the School of Activism at the not-for-profit community arts space as part of the People’s Art Fair, a ten day creative programme. More information at [email protected]
April 28: Cotswold Community Centre, Shirehampton, 7pm
Shirehampton Climate Emergency Group will host will host a 45-minute structured local discussion on what the briefing means for the local community after the screening.
May 1: Dundry Village Hall, 7pm
The screening event will include introductions and discussions from Dundry Climate and Community Action Group. More information via [email protected]
May 6: Deanery Road, BS1 (private event)
A screening for staff and directors of Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership CIC to watch the film together and consider its connections with the partnership’s ongoing work. Read about CEO Lizzi Testani’s experience attending the National Emergency Briefing event here.
May 15: University of the West of England (UWE) Business School, Frenchay Campus, 9am
Considering mitigation, adaptation and resilience for businesses in the West of England. Speakers will include Luke McCullough, senior public policy manager at Aviva, and Professor Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the National Heat Risk Commission and former chair of the London Climate Resilience Review commissioned by the mayor of London.
May 16: Sparks Bristol, Broadmead, 2.30pm
Bristol Greenpeace host an afternoon screening followed by audience discussions. Entry is free but attendees are required to book.
May 18: UWE Bristol Business School, Frenchay Campus, 12pm
A community screening followed by a structured solution-oriented discussion led by the National Emergency Briefing team.
May 21: On The Hill (formerly Zion Bristol), 7pm
A South Bristol Screening at On The Hill (formerly known as Zion Bristol) in partnership with the Green BS13 Climate & Nature Group. For more information contact [email protected]
June 14: Bradbury Hall, Henleaze, 7.30pm
Free ticketed film followed by discussion organised by the Westbury Park Community Association. Darren Jones MP to be invited as well as local councillors and SUSWOT, the Henleaze Society, WPCA and other local organisations.
June 25: St Barnabas Church, Knowle West, 7pm
Refreshments and a community screening will be followed a panel discussion facilitated by the St Barnabas Eco Church Group. Contact Clive Hamilton [email protected] for more information.
June 26: Nailsea Methodist Church, Nailsea, 7pm
Nailsea Methodist Church Eco Team and Nailsea Climate Emergency Group host this community screening event, with refreshments and discussion time afterwards.
July 3: Friends Meeting House, Redland
Carla Denyer MP has been invited to this community screening at a venue that seats 100 people. Email [email protected] for more information.
Find out more at nebriefing.org/screening-map
Main image: Lizzi Testani
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