People gather in Ruthin for climate and nature discussions

Denbighshire County Council hosted two screenings of The People’s Emergency Briefing in Ruthin on 30 July, followed by discussions on what the climate and nature crisis means for local communities.

The screenings formed part of a wider UK programme of events designed to help communities engage with the climate and nature crisis. Naturalist Chris Packham has supported the initiative and said, “I’d encourage people everywhere to attend a screening of ‘The People’s Emergency Briefing’. This new film creates exactly the kind of honest local conversation we now urgently need, both about the threat from climate and nature breakdown, but also about what we can do, together with our politicians, to build a better future.”

The first screening, held at County Hall, Ruthin and was attended by councillors and senior officers with invitations extended to Members of the Senedd and Parliament representing Denbighshire constituencies. Becky Gittins MP for Clwyd East attended and participated in the subsequent discussions which focused on the roles of different levels of government, the Local Development Plan, and support for businesses and schools.

A second public screening at Ruthin Town Hall attracted more than 50 attendees. Topics under discussion included materials for schools, farming and food resilience, biodiversity, business opportunities, and how communities can continue engaging with elected representatives on climate and nature issues.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, said: “We felt it was important that local representatives had the opportunity to hear the discussion taking place in the room.  One of the strongest feelings was relief — that issues many people have quietly worried about for a long time were finally being spoken about openly, clearly and together.  What stood out was how quickly the discussion moved from concern into practical questions about what people here may be able to do together next.”

Jane Hodgson, Denbighshire County Council's Climate Change Manager, added: “We were very pleased with how ready people were to stay, talk, and listen to one another afterwards.  The discussions showed that many people value having space to explore these issues.  What stood out was the energy that comes when people are able to face difficult information and work together, rather than feeling they are carrying it alone.”

The Council would like to thank attendees and volunteer facilitators from Climate Cymru, Friends of the Earth and the Climate Psychology Alliance for supporting the events.

Further local screenings can be found at: https://www.nebriefing.org/screening-map.