Listen to audio version below: Sponsored by Sussex Audiology Centre
JOSH Babarinde, MP for Eastbourne and Willington, joined local residents recently at the Sheldon BnB for a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing, followed by a discussion on what its findings could mean for Eastbourne.
The film sets out national risks from the climate and nature crisis. Residents used the discussion to consider how these connect to life in the town and what could be done locally.
Evie Sier from Eastbourne Greenpeace and the Vegan Society said that, as a coastal community, Eastbourne must protect its seas, including the marine protected areas off the coast.
She also asked how local farmers could be supported to transition to grow more plant-based food, as the film discusses. Mr Babarinde said he recognised the need for a transition in farming but was conscious of how difficult conditions are for farmers at present.
Sally Boys from Friends of the Earth told the MP that her group has planted wildflower meadows around Eastbourne to support bees and other insects and boost biodiversity.
Oliver Sterno from Refill Eastbourne made the point that this crisis has appeared at a timely moment, compared to, say, during the 19th Century. Then, we would not have had the awareness and science and technology to combat climate change. Now, all we need is the willingness to act.
To support the call for a national televised emergency briefing, Mr Babarinde was also handed 80 postcards from constituents asking him to back the Parliamentary Call for a televised emergency briefing on the climate and nature crisis, in addition to the 30 he has already been sent.
About the screenings
A small team of volunteers has helped facilitate 10 screenings and discussions at venues across Eastbourne this year. The next screening is at
St Elisabeth’s Church, Victoria Drive, Eastbourne, on 24th November, from 1.30 to 3.30pm.
The screenings are part of a programme supported by naturalist Chris Packham. So far there have been over 5000 screenings in the UK. They are open to everyone, whatever their starting point or views, and aim to provide a space for informed discussion.
You can find out more about the People’s Emergency Briefing film at https://www.nebriefing.org
