Key facts
- MPs are urging the UK government to hold a televised national briefing on the climate emergency.
- The call follows a 'first-of-its-kind' briefing in November by nine experts assessing climate adaptation needs.
- A crowdfunded film, 'The People's Emergency Briefing', highlights threats to food security, the economy, and public health.
- 91 cross-party MPs and peers have signed a parliamentary call for the government to host the briefing.
- Chris Packham hosts the film, advocating for a prime-time televised briefing.
- Lt Gen Richard Nugee described climate breakdown as the 'most insidious threat to our society'.
Members of the UK Parliament are calling on the government to host a televised national emergency briefing to address the climate crisis. This initiative is supported by a crowdfunded film, 'The People's Emergency Briefing,' which features experts detailing the urgent threats posed by climate and nature breakdown to food security, the economy, and public health. The call comes amid a summer of heatwaves in the UK and Europe, with scientists linking such events to human-induced climate change.
Chris Packham, a TV presenter and environmentalist, hosts the film and advocates for a prime-time, televised briefing. So far, 91 cross-party MPs and peers have signed a parliamentary call urging the government to hold such an event. Lt Gen Richard Nugee, a retired senior British Army officer, described climate breakdown as the 'most insidious threat to our society.'
A recent report by senior UK national security officials warned of severe threats from the climate crisis and ecosystem collapse, potentially leading to food shortages and economic disaster within years. While the government has not yet responded to the request for a televised briefing, a spokesperson noted that an annual statement on the state of the climate is already planned, with the second set for later this year. The first statement, delivered by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, outlined government actions on clean power and flood prevention.
The Climate Change Committee has previously warned that the UK's plans to protect against extreme weather are inadequate, recommending an additional £11 billion per year in spending for adaptation. The 'People's Emergency Briefing' film has seen over 2,000 screenings organized by the public, businesses, and community groups. The initiative is also backed by a coalition of UK church denominations and Christian organizations, who view it as a critical wake-up call.