People’s Emergency Briefing showing in Knighton was well attended

An audience of 70 attended Knighton’s showing of the People’s Emergency Briefing last Friday.

This film, which features Chris Packham, uses sobering testimony from scientists, economists and national security experts to inform the British public about what could really happen to climate and nature in the next 10, 20, 30 years.

A spokesperson said: “The UK faces growing risks from climate and nature breakdown – from extreme weather to economic disruption and national security threats. Yet the public has never been given a clear national briefing on the scale of these risks”.

The film makers want the film to be shown on national television and are lobbying Westminster for this to happen.

Knighton’s Teme Valley Environment Group organized this showing of the film at Knighton Community Centre.

After the film showing a discussion was held, led by Powys County Councillor Jeremy Thorp and Lisa Sture from Pentwyn Farm market garden near Llanbister.

As the senior politician present, Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP David Chadwick for the Liberal Democrats was asked what he was doing about the climate crisis.

He replied that this was the second time he had seen the film in his Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd constituency and that he had signed an Early Day Motion in Parliament towards getting the film shown on national television.

He pointed out how injurious higher temperatures will be to all within the health service, and talked about the exploitation of the north sea versus the needs of the environment.

Audience members included James Hitchcock from Tir Natur and Rewilding Britain. He said that back in 2022 Wales had signed a pledge to get 30% of the land area to be managed for nature by 2030 and that so far, all that had been achieved was 3%.

Dealing with this should be a priority for the newly elected Senedd.

Drawn from more local organisations Rolly Bea from Presteigne’s Repair Café was invited to speak. She explained that the repair and reuse of items saved resources and kept them in the “circular economy”. The café meets once a month on a Saturday.

TVEG’s Tom Taylor also spoke about the success of the improved local bus routes, community orchards and litter picks.

Sadly, a younger audience member pointed out how few young people there were present. And yet they are the ones who are going to experience this changed world the most.

There are to be further showings of the film in Powys, for instance in Guilsfield on May 29, at Brecon on June 5 and 18, in Berriew on June 6 and in Welshpool on June 29.

Check the Powys Green Guide (https://powysgreenguide.cymru.events?search=screening) or the National Emergency Briefing screening map (www.nebriefing.org) for a full listing.