More than 80 staff and members of the local community came together at the University of Bath on Wednesday 15 July for a screening of The National Emergency Briefing film, followed by a lively and thought-provoking discussion on the climate and nature crisis.

The event was organised by the Centre for 21st Century Public Health, Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), the Sustainable Bath team, and the Institute for Sustainability and Climate Change.

Attendees heard opening remarks from Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, Professor of Environmental Psychology and an expert advisor to the film, alongside Peter Phelps, the University of Bath's Climate Action Lead.

What is the National Emergency Briefing?

The National Emergency Briefing brings together leading experts to present the latest evidence on the climate and nature crisis, including risks to food systems, public health, infrastructure, and national security, as well as opportunities for positive action and societal resilience.

Originally delivered to an invited audience in Westminster, the briefing has since been developed into a film to enable communities, organisations and institutions across the UK to engage with the evidence and discuss what it means for their local areas. A key aim of the initiative is to encourage informed public dialogue and collective responses to the challenges posed by climate and ecological change.

Engaging with the evidence

Following the screening, participants explored their reactions to the film, the implications of the evidence presented, and the role that individuals, communities, organisations and policymakers can play in responding to these interconnected challenges.

The discussion generated a high level of engagement, with audience members contributing thoughtful reflections. Bringing together University colleagues and members of the public created a valuable opportunity for different perspectives to be shared and for connections to be made around a common concern for the future.

Looking ahead

The screening formed part of a broader programme of sustainability-focused activity taking place across the University and highlighted the importance of creating spaces for dialogue around some of the most significant public health, environmental and societal challenges of our time.

National Emergency Briefings are taking place across the UK with local communities encouraged to host their own screening and promote the film to policymakers and governments with the aim of securing a 'televised emergency briefing', introduced by the Prime Minister and shown across multiple prime time channels.