Diocese of Portsmouth
The Church of England

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    Packed screening of Climate Emergency film

    Category
    Environment
    Date
    1 June 2026
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    CHURCHES across the country are being encouraged to screen the People’s Emergency Briefing film, highlighting the urgency of taking immediate action on climate change and biodiversity loss.

    The Church of the Resurrection in Farlington parish recently hosted a packed screening on Friday 15th May, attended by Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, several local councillors and over 100 local residents.

    Farlington Parish’s Eco Church group co-hosted the event with the Portsmouth Climate Collective, who have been organising screenings in venues across Portsmouth. This was the first local screening on church premises. Welcoming the audience, Miriam Sampson, convener of the Eco Church group, explained that the church was showing the film because they believe the earth belongs to God, not to us, and the Bible teaches we should care for the earth and all the diverse creatures whose life it sustains.

    The film derives from the National Emergency Briefing, held in Westminster last November, for MPs and other national leaders. Chaired by Mike Berners-Lee, and introduced by Chris Packham, this briefing featured experts from different backgrounds giving their perspectives on the urgency of the current situation and necessity for action. Alongside climate scientists, an ecologist, a doctor and an economist, ex-soldier Lt Gen Richard Nugee spoke powerfully about the implications of climate change for national security. The film is presented in ‘Gogglebox’ style, featuring extracts from these talks intercut with the reactions of ordinary people and some celebrities.

    Lt Gen Richard Nugee speaks to the audience about his part in the National Emergency Briefing
    Lt Gen Richard Nugee speaks to the audience about his part in the National Emergency Briefing

    Farlington Parish has a link with Richard Nugee and he agreed to come to introduce the film and answer questions. Asked what convinced him of the urgency of acting on climate change, he shared his personal experience of leading troops in Iraq, where over 200 of his battalion had to be hospitalised and 5 sent home because of the effects of heat and humidity. He subsequently carried out a review of climate change and national security on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. He said: “Climate change affects us all, devastating lives for those hit by flooding or fires, making life increasingly difficult through intense heat and unpredictable weather, and can even affect the effectiveness of our armed forces. I came to Portsmouth to help people understand that this is now a security issue that we all need to know about.”

    Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, discusses the film with local residents
    Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, discusses the film with local residents
    The church was filled with people from the church and local community
    The church was filled with people from the church and local community

    The audience were visibly moved by what they saw and heard, engaging in lively discussion after viewing the film. They were urged to write to their MP and sign a petition for an emergency briefing to be given on primetime national TV. Asked for a show of hands if they planned to take action on the messages of the film, a large majority opted in.

    A similar sold-out screening has since taken place at Portsmouth Cathedral, where Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, was present. Several other local Anglican churches are now making plans to show the film across the city. You can find local screenings here, or host your own screening here.

    Help is also available from the Portsmouth Climate Collective to organise future screenings. Contact them at info@portsmouthclimateaction.org.uk.

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