Researchers have called on the British government to increase transparency regarding the severity of climate and ecological breakdown following a national emergency briefing held last November. The event, described as the first of its kind, featured nine experts presenting assessments at Central Hall in Westminster about necessary adaptations to the UK’s changing climate and environmental conditions.
Following the briefing, a crowdfunded film titled the People’s Emergency Briefing was produced to outline the threats posed by climate and nature breakdown to food security, economic stability, and public health. The film has been viewed at approximately 3,400 screenings by an estimated 185,000 people. Survey data from 13,000 viewers indicated substantial shifts in environmental awareness, with 87% reporting increased motivation to take action after watching the material.
The research revealed widespread public concern about government communication on environmental issues. Among those surveyed, 93% stated that the public is not fully informed about climate and nature loss. Additionally, 89% of respondents indicated that the government should respond to the crisis with emergency-level mobilization comparable to efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic or the second world war.
Researchers noted that while the general public demonstrates awareness of certain climate-related risks, less obvious threats related to national security, food supplies, and impacts on healthcare systems receive insufficient attention. Prof Mike Berners-Lee, chair of the National Emergency Briefing, has called on government leadership to deliver a unified emergency response coordinated by independent experts and led by the prime minister, similar to the public communication strategy employed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The government acknowledged the briefing campaign but did not confirm plans to screen the film or provide additional comment on expanding public information efforts. Scottish First Minister John Swinney recently attended a screening at the Scottish parliament.
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