Same leadership and determination as in World War II needed towards the issue of climate change and nature breakdown - Yorkshire Post Letters

I recently attended a community screening of the National Emergency Briefing film, and I left convinced that everyone should watch it.

The 50-minute film draws on expert testimony delivered to parliamentarians in Westminster last November. Featuring Chris Packham and scientists, including Professor Tim Lenton on climate tipping points and Professor Paul Barran on food security, the film sets out, plainly, what the climate and nature crisis means for our health, our economy, and our national security.

Familiar faces such as Jennifer Saunders and Deborah Meaden help audiences absorb the very alarming realities. But the film's great achievement is that it leaves viewers feeling galvanised rather than paralysed.

On tipping points, the collapse of an ice sheet, the death of a rainforest, and the failure of an ocean circulation system are not distant abstractions. They are thresholds beyond which global conditions change dramatically and irreversibly. People have come to accept that climate change will always be slow and gradual, but that is not what science tells us. The film makes that vivid, and makes the case that decisive government action now may still prevent the worst.

After the screening, the discussion in the room was striking. People weren't despairing; they were energised. Councillors present committed themselves to facilitating a Town Hall screening for all the local city councillors. That's exactly the kind of response this film deserves.

The Government should launch a science-led national emergency response to climate and nature breakdown, showing the same leadership and determination as in World War II. This should include emergency legislation to drive a rapid reduction in emissions whilst investing to adapt to a more dangerous climate. Evidence shows that such action will create jobs and improve lives.

There are further showings planned around the country; you will probably find one near you. If not, please consider organising one yourself.

During Covid, we had regular emergency briefings. The climate and nature emergency is even more urgent. The BBC must broadcast this film in prime time.