Packed audience for Wendover climate crisis film screening

Around 90 residents in Wendover and surrounding villages attended a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing, a film on the effect of the changing climate on life in the UK, at St Mary’s Church in Wendover on Wednesday evening.

This free event, organised by Climate Action Wendover, a community-led environmental group, is amongst the first screenings of the film in Buckinghamshire and attracted strong interest from the community.

One of more than 1,500 screenings of the film, which launched in April, this community event is part of a nation-wide campaign gathering momentum called ‘the People’s Emergency Briefing’ or ‘the National Emergency Briefing’. Campaign organisers and supporters are calling for the public to be given a clearer briefing on the climate crisis and for stronger action to improve the UK’s preparedness and resilience.

In the film, leading UK experts discuss the impact of climate change on everyday life, including extreme weather, food security, health and the cost of living. It also looks at the steps that can be taken to respond.

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Climate Action Wendover are encouraging people to find their nearest screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing via the People’s Emergency screening map, screenings are taking place at Chesham Town Hall on 23 June, and Princes Risborough’s Wade Centre on 15 July.

They are also sharing the petition calling for a televised briefing on climate and nature risks.

David Blackmore, Chair of Climate Action Wendover, said:

“Without question, the changing climate will have a significant impact on our lives and those of our families, friends and neighbours. The interest in our event in Wendover, as across the UK, shows that the public want action to be taken to help the country to minimise the impact, and to prepare and adapt. While the film is shocking it is also encouraging. There are compelling economic reasons for acting now on Net Zero and we can and must respond with urgency and commitment.”  

Attendee Melanie Collins, Wendover-based teacher, said of the event:

“I found it inspiring. As a geography teacher, these are things I teach every day but tonight was a good reminder that these lessons aren’t just for an exam, this is real-life, a matter of life and death, ultimately. It was great to see familiar TV faces using their influence to help make people sit up and take notice, because we should be treating this as an emergency.”

Wendy Teverson, local business owner (Bread and Brew Café in Wendover), added: “The messages from last night have really stayed with me and I think we need to get them to the younger generation so they can help drive change. I would love to see the film screened at festivals to help reach a more diverse audience. The messages on food particularly resonated with me as a food business owner, and we will continue our drive to support local suppliers, reduce waste and increase our sustainability - watching this screening made me want this more, not just for the business but for my children and grandchildren.” 

Following the film, the audience discussed their reaction and what they feel can or should be done in response. Climate Action Wendover members also briefly outlined local environmental projects, including: the launch of Energise Buckinghamshire, a new community energy offering; an EV car share pilot scheme; ‘Sustainable Streets’, an initiative supporting clean travel in Weston Turville; local biodiversity projects; and efforts to identify land for community growing to help reduce food security risk.