National Emergency Briefing
We know, don’t we, that the climate and nature crisis is a multi-pronged emergency that will impact all aspects of British life, from national security to the food supply.
In Westminster Central Hall on Thursday 27 November, ten of the UK’s leading experts briefed an invite-only audience of politicians and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media with the latest implications for health, food, national security and the economy.
I was privileged to have a last-minute invitation to the event through Zero Hour. The aim of the event was to clarify to those in power what is at stake and to outline actionable solutions. I wanted to know if this was something UK churches should get behind and be part of rolling out the resulting video to communities across the country, giving our politicians the facts as well as the mandate to act. I was convinced.
What they said
The event was carefully planned to appeal to the non-activist, to the politically right as much as left – the panel ducked a question about the performance of a particular government, saying:
“these issues transcend party politics…Repeated governments have absolutely failed for decade after decade”
You can read about the speakers here.
Here’s a few quotes and comments from them that I noted down:
The event was opened by Chris Packham, who said:
“We must set aside all of our divisions. We are one species on one planet with one big problem and one chance to sort it out.”
Mike Berners Lee, the chair, said:
“James Baldwin famously said that ‘Nothing can be changed until it is faced’. 30 COPs have failed to even reduce the rate at which we are putting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. At COP30 fossil fuels were taken out of the final text – our response couldn’t be more inadequate. This event is about resetting the national conversation … creating a social tipping point. You have already shown courage and leadership just by coming here today.”
Kevin Anderson reminded us that:
“Cutting fossil fuel use doesn’t help – we need to eliminate it…there is a small but real risk of reaching 4 degrees by end of the century.”
Tim Lenton talked terrifyingly about the tipping points in the climate system, but then went on to describe the potential beneficial social tipping points that, with the political will, we could trigger, such as adopting clean technology.
Paul Behrens spoke on food security. 80% of UK farmers are already seeing problems from climate change and ⅓ of food price inflation is due to climate. He also critiqued our agriculture, saying:
“Our food system itself is destroying the very foundations of our food security…moving to plant rich diets gives us wins across every dimension.”
Prof Hugh Montgomery made the crisis personal, saying it is:
“about survival, not of future generations, but of my son who was 20 last Thursday.”
He stressed the benefits in health, and cost to the NHS, by acting. Just moving to active transport and plant-based diets were good not only for climate, but also cancer, lungs, diabetes, obesity, stroke, heart attacks, dementia and mental health. For example, if the average urban adult daily cycle went up 3 km and walking by 1km, after 20 years the NHS would save £17 billion.
Lt General Richard Nugee said
“In the army we say we have to face the threat that is in front of you not the one you would wish it to be.”
He said that climate change is a threat multiplier and that tackling it is central to our national resilience.
The economist Angela Francis was clear:
“Our rules aren’t working. Government needs to change the rules.”
She was scathing about the myth that “We can’t afford NZ” – a faster transition is much cheaper. And that the “UK can’t do this alone”. Others are acting, and leaders drive innovation and inspire others to follow. And faster is cheaper. The cost of Net Zero is 73% cheaper than we predicted just 5 years ago. And we can work with other countries to create positive tipping points. She also warned that what we do as a country has to work for lower and middle-income households – this is key to its acceptance.
Mike Berners Lee wrapped up with this call to the MPs and leaders present:
- Don’t leave this room and carry on business as usual
- If we really understand what the threat is we will come together because we see a common threat. We can all support each other.
- We are asking for a WWII level of leadership as if the survival of our society depends on it, because it does.
- We have a track record in this country of leading the world out of trouble.
- Have courage in this critical moment.
- The world knows we need change
- Be furious about the lies
- The excitement of doing the right thing can out way the fear of change.
- Think how good it will feel to know you have done the right thing
My top takeaways
Most shocking
- Tim Lenton’s slide showing a possible shut-down of the Gulf Stream at only 2 degrees global warming – with -20 degrees winters in London and UK food production going to zero.
Most hopeful
- The 3 hour event immediately up on YouTube, on, yes really, GB News!
Most important action to do immediately
- Sign and share with everyone you know this letter asking for an urgent televised national emergency briefing for the public, and for a comprehensive public engagement campaign so that everyone understands the profound risks this crisis poses to themselves and their families.
- Here’s some suggested pew-sheet text for people in your church to sign the letter
- Please also write to your MP asking them to support a Parliamentary Call for the televised briefing
Most important action to do over next few weeks
- Be ready to help organise a community screening of the film that is being created based on the event – make sure you are signed up to our newsletters so we can let you know how to do this.
- You can express interest in helping to host a screening in your area if you scroll to the bottom of this page
Read and watch more
There’s a load of articles out there about it.
- Here’s super one by Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg – We need more faith in our power to confront the climate crisis.
- And one by Colette Joyce, on Independent Catholic News
Videos
- This is a good 30 min summary of the event
- And all the 10 minute presentations are on the NEB YouTube channel
I did wonder about there not being any leaders from faith groups speaking. But then, of course, we are not experts in science or health or security. We are, or should be, experts in how we face up to and respond to reality in a way that is honest, loving and hopeful. Let’s step up.
Ruth Jarman is Green Christian’s Information Officer
Comments on "National Emergency Briefing"
Staffan Engstrom:
A very helpful report - thanks Ruth!
Robert Wakeling:
How can we get this message through to the top of the government? Why don't they tax fossil fuels more and introduce a frequent flyer levy? This Labour Government does not seem to understand the climate emergency any more than the previous Tory one.
Rev Debby Plummer:
I want to arrange a screening. Such an important meeting - I'm glad you were able to be there
Sue Ward:
Thank you Ruth. Have no doubt..you were meant to be there. God bless all you work and your prayers
Diana BengeAbbott:
Thanks Ruth. An important event.
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