5 September 2026

The People's Emergency Briefing: Screening the film

Lyn Woods

A black and white Union Jack with 'National Emergency Briefing' written underneath.

The People’s Emergency Briefing is a film that outlines the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss on communities, food systems and the economy. The UK and Ireland Territory has joined a growing coalition of UK denominations and Christian organisations in backing the initiative, led by the National Emergency Briefing (NEB). The NEB is an independent public information initiative working to ensure people are clearly briefed on the scale of the crisis. For more information about how to watch the film or host a screening, visit nebriefing.org.

Major Matt Elsey (Torquay and Paignton) tells Lyn Woods about the impact of screening the People’s Emergency Briefing.

What did you think about the briefing?

It’s set out extremely well. It gives a concise picture of the short and longterm impacts of climate change in the UK and the increasingly severe impact it is having on our community, with science behind these predictions. Despite the desperate message, it also has a positive message, and it shares ways we can act now to make a difference.

Did it have an impact on the people watching?

The film was very well received. Many of those attending our screening at Torquay Corps were already convinced about climate change and the need for governments to do more, but they were clearly moved by what they watched. The challenge is that people have many things that are already causing them concern, such as the cost of living, global instability and war. Climate change can feel overwhelming and insurmountable.

What's next?

The briefing has aided our church in connecting with organisations and individuals in our area who care about the impact of climate change. It has opened conversations for things like eating less meat, eating more seasonally, promoting local produce through our food bank and promoting renewable energy. We want to find out more about the impact of climate change on our area and the ways nature can be used to find solutions. It has also encouraged us to be more proactive in recycling and reducing the waste of our corps. We’ll be running follow-up Bible studies on caring for creation to offer theological reflection and help people consider their response locally.

Will you be showing the film again?

We’re showing the film at Paignton Corps in September and have more people signed up, with both viewings being open to the public. There’s a petition to get the briefing seen across the UK and further afield, and we hope everyone who sees the film will sign it.

How could Christians make a faith-based response?

The world we inhabit has been gifted to us to live in, but it comes with a responsibility to look after it. Part of our theological reflection should be around repenting for our failure of this and changing our attitudes and actions.