Last November, ten of the UK’s leading experts on climate change and its impacts addressed an invited audience of more than 1,200 leaders from politics, business, culture, faith, sport and the media. Their presentations were recorded and woven into this compelling 50-minute film, presented by Chris Packham and interspersed with reflections from members of the public.
The film explores the far-reaching consequences of climate and nature breakdown, examining the implications for health, food systems, national security and the economy.
The aspect that struck me most was learning about climate tipping points. These are critical thresholds beyond which environmental change can become effectively irreversible. Once crossed, the climate can shift abruptly into a new stable state that is extremely difficult to reverse. Scientists warn that as global temperatures rise beyond 1.5°C, the risk of triggering multiple interconnected tipping points increases sharply.
One of the most concerning examples for the UK is the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), the system of ocean currents that helps keep our climate mild. Its failure would bring colder winters (-20°C in London) and much hotter summers and significantly reduced rainfall, leading to severe water shortages. The statement that stayed with me long after the film ended was this: “This would end large-scale agriculture in the UK.”
If you were unable to attend the screening at St George's, there are several opportunities to see the film locally:
Bookham Old Barn Hall – 22 October, 7.15pm (hosted by Dorking & Bookham Community Network)
Ashtead Dell Centre – 19 November, 7.00pm (hosted by Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell Green Party)
For more information, visit www.nebriefing.org.