Following the large turn out for the National Emergency briefing last weekend, one of the organisers, Susan, talks us through the evening, with photos from CHVRA’s Jonathan Moore.
It was wonderfully uplifting to see our local church, St. John’s, recently filled with more than a hundred people, brought together by a shared concern for our planet and the kind of future we are creating.
We watched a documentary, the National Emergency Briefing, about the climate and nature crisis, which was powerful and, at times, difficult to absorb. But what stayed with me most was what happened afterwards. People immediately began to talk in small groups, reflecting on what they had seen and heard.
The room filled with open, thoughtful conversation as people of different ages, genders and backgrounds shared their feelings and listened to one another. Nobody needed to be an expert or have all the answers; simply members of a community trying to understand together what is happening and what we might do about it.
There was frustration that the crisis had been allowed to reach this point, despite decades of warnings. There was anger that those with the greatest power have not acted with the urgency required.
Beneath that anger was a deep sense of care for our children, for nature and for the future. There was also guilt, as people wondered whether they had personally done enough.
Our individual choices matter, but ordinary people cannot carry this responsibility alone. We also need courageous political leadership, responsible businesses and lasting systemic change.
And then something else emerged – HOPE! People shared ideas and possible solutions. They talked about the actions they might take personally, but also about what we might do together. Fear and frustration remained, but they were joined by a sense of purpose. For me, that was the heart of the evening, hope and community, and we had both in spades.
Huge thanks to Sarah Chant (EACH) who was the driving force behind this event and to Jonathan and Philipa (St. John’s Church) for all their efforts and input.
Susan Moore
Several members of the audience asked about screening the film in schools and other locations locally. For more information, and to find additional screenings, visit: www.nebriefing.org
