What to do after watching the People’s Emergency Briefing
Many thanks to all who have recently attended a People's Emergency Briefing film screening
Bath & West Community Energy has been involved in organising a few, with the most recent being at St Michael's Without church in the heart of Bath.
The film brings together people in local communities across the UK to hear the latest evidence on the climate and nature emergency, and to discuss how to respond – together with their Member of Parliament.
The 50-minute film combines authoritative scientific content from the initial Westminster briefing event, along with reactions from members of the public and some more familiar faces. It is designed to help audiences process the information on a more human level, by delivering the frank facts about the threats, but also the enormous benefits if the Government leads genuine emergency action.
Chris Packham, the presenter, brings the film to a close saying "over to you". So how can and will we respond? Our panel at the screening at St Michael's were Pete Capener, Managing Director of BWCE, Ruth Lambert, CEO of Share and Repair, and Jonathon Porritt, author and campaigner, and as well as answering questions from the audience they provided their insights into what actions could be taken on a number of levels.
We're compiling a list of suggestions, as we believe that any actions are better than anxiety and inactivity. Here are some ideas:
Lobby your MP and petition the Government for a UK-wide TV screening of the film - sign the petition here
Hold your own screening of this film in your workplace, or with local or community groups
Join a local community organisation which is committed to taking action
Put climate back on the agenda and talk about it with your friends, family, neighbours and networks. Take to social media if you can to ‘show up’ and amplify your message
Consider reducing consumption where possible – repair, borrow or buy second-hand, and try growing your own food
Increase plant based diet choices and decrease meat and dairy
Make energy efficiency changes to your home – if you’re on a low budget, you could make DIY under-door draught excluders or replace old lightbulbs with LEDs. With more money to invest, you could upgrade your loft, floor or wall insulation, or consider renewable technology like solar panels or a heat pump
Chose how you spend and invest your money – this is huge, as pensions, mortgages and savings with ethical providers (moving away from unethical finance) is easier than we might think to do and will have a big impact
And finally, support community energy! There are several ways to get involved with BWCE, including becoming an energy champion, sharing our news or becoming a member. - see how to get involved with BWCE.