> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/events/banter-sessions-inc-table-of-all-sessions/banter-133-29aug26-neb-peb-update-with-jamie-russell.md). # Banter 133: 29Aug26 NEB/PEB update with Jamie Russell {% embed url="" %} ## Video Timings: 00:00 - 17:16 Presentation\ 17:16 - 63:03 (end) Q & A *** #### Presentation: {% embed url="" %} You are welcome to view (click on each slide number) or download (click on the Menu icon, second right on the bottom line above) this presentation. Please note that slide 2 starts a short video. A markdown (text-only) version is at the bottom of this page. *** ### Meeting Summary: Aug 19, 2026 11:46 AM LondonID: 834 5460 8536 #### Quick recap This meeting was a National Emergency Briefing session where Jamie Russell, Community Organising Lead at the National Emergency Briefing Team, presented an overview of their initiative to inform the UK public about the climate and nature crisis. Jamie discussed how the team created a 50-minute documentary featuring Chris Packham that has been screened nearly 3,200 times across the UK, reaching an estimated 180,000 people, with 145 cross-party MPs supporting their call for a televised emergency briefing by the government. The initiative has achieved significant milestones including hitting 100,000 signatures on their petition, which will now be considered for debate in Parliament. Participants raised questions about MP reluctance to communicate bad news to the public, the political challenges of addressing climate change, and the need for more local action beyond just screenings. The discussion highlighted concerns about the lurch to the right in politics and the need for more coordinated climate action across different organizations and communities. #### Next steps #### Jamie * Send the councils pack (including template motion for councils to call for a televised emergency briefing) to Chris, and also share the email address for further contact. * Update the screening guidance and support materials to better encourage local action and signposting to local groups, and to include more explicit encouragement for follow-up meetings after screenings. * Share the detailed outline of what a televised emergency briefing should look like with attendees via the chat. * Consider and incorporate feedback from attendees (such as Andrew Maliphant and Piers) regarding local action, follow-up meetings, and parish-level guidance into updated materials. * Reach out to Andrew Maliphant to discuss and potentially integrate the 10-stage approach to community action into NEB's guidance. * Accept and review any materials or advice shared by Andrew Maliphant regarding the October 13th meeting on positive local actions. * Accept any input from attendees (such as Piers) on what parish-level post-film discussion and risk management guidance should look like. * Continue to encourage and support the hosting of screenings, including in-person and online formats, and provide guidance where needed. * Continue to partner with other organizations and networks to support the broader climate and nature movement, recognizing the need for coordination. #### Summary ### Climate Science Briefing Initiative Overview Jamie Russell, Community Organising Lead at the National Emergency Briefing Team, presented an overview of the initiative that began in November 2025. He explained that the team held an in-person event at Westminster Hall where eight UK scientists and experts briefed MPs, business leaders, and others on climate and nature crisis science. Following the event, the team created a 50-minute documentary featuring Chris Packham that focused on the emotional impact of climate science, rather than just the scientific content presented at the event. Jamie was in the process of sharing a trailer for the film when the transcript ended. ### Climate Crisis Emergency Briefing Jamie Russell NEB (Shrewsbury) presented the People's Emergency Briefing, a 50-minute film about the climate and nature crisis that has been shown in nearly 3,200 screenings reaching an estimated 180,000 people. The film has gained significant support with 145 cross-party MPs supporting a call for a televised emergency briefing, and a petition reaching 100,000 signatures that will be considered for debate in Parliament. Research conducted by Bath University showed that 56% of audience members felt more hopeful after watching the film, with 87% feeling motivated to take action. ### People's Emergency Briefing Initiative Update Jamie discussed the People's Emergency Briefing initiative, highlighting how the release of the emergency briefing in November and the film in April has coincided with other events suggesting public information gaps. He explained the theory of change, which aims to inform the public about climate and nature risks to strengthen government position in securing public buy-in for necessary changes. Jamie reported significant progress with over 200 council screenings across the UK, development of specific packs for councils, workplaces, and schools, and international expansion with subtitled versions in multiple languages. The initiative has reached 100,000 petition signatures ahead of schedule, with parliamentary debate plans in development and continued grassroots pressure on MPs for a televised emergency briefing. ### Climate Crisis Political Communication Challenges Graham and Jamie discussed why MPs may be hesitant to communicate bad news about the climate crisis to the public. Jamie suggested that MPs might be underestimating public appetite for change and emphasized the need for someone to declare the crisis an emergency. Stuart raised concerns about a shift to the right in politics, particularly regarding net zero policies, and asked about the NEB's response. Jamie clarified that the National Emergency Briefing is nonpartisan and science-led, focusing on informing the public to enable them to pressure politicians appropriately. *** #### Chat: 00:14:07 Kirstin Rayner, Gamlingay parish: Sorry everyone, I have no microphone, or camera as I forgot laptop- will message through chat! 00:15:14 Lynne Bowers: Hello everyone phoning from mobile apologies 00:16:33 Lynne Bowers: Devon at the moment but Herefordshire usually 00:17:45 Lynne Bowers: Hello Jamie! And you’re Shrewsbury I didn’t realise that 👍 00:19:59 Energy Local Greenhoe-North Norfolk (Ian Cray): [https://www.euronews.com/2026/08/17/a-secret-had-been-shared-the-inside-story-of-an-emergency-climate-briefing-that-made-exper ](https://www.euronews.com/2026/08/17/a-secret-had-been-shared-the-inside-story-of-an-emergency-climate-briefing-that-made-exper) 00:30:40 Lynne Bowers: Please could we have a copy of the councils pack please? 00:30:55 Nick Drew (Wirral): Reacted to "Please could we have a copy of the councils pack please?" with 🙏 00:31:30 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration, Gloucestershire: At the Great Collaboration we've been suggesting a third aim of the film, to encourage more local community climate action, which has been an issue raised at some screenings. See more (including our own film!) at [https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/most-frequently-sought-topics/generally-useful-websites/peb-peoples-emergency-briefing ](https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/most-frequently-sought-topics/generally-useful-websites/peb-peoples-emergency-briefing) 00:31:49 Lynne Bowers: Reacted to "At the Great Collaboration we've been suggesting a third aim of the film, to encourage more local community climate action, which has been an issue raised at some screenings. See more (including our own film!) at " with 👍 00:31:56 Energy Local Greenhoe-North Norfolk (Ian Cray): Reacted to "At the Great Colla..." with 👍 00:33:04 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration, Gloucestershire: And of course local councils post local government reorganisation will really mean parish, town and community councils 00:33:42 Kirstin Rayner, Gamlingay parish: Reacted to "At the Great Collaboration we've been suggesting a third aim of the film, to encourage more local community climate action, which has been an issue raised at some screenings. See more (including our own film!) at " with 👍 ### 00:33:54 Energy Local Greenhoe-North Norfolk (Ian Cray): [https://interactive.carbonbrief.org/el-nino-explainer/index.html?utm\_source=cbnewsletter\&utm\_medium=email\&utm\_term=2026-08-19\&utm\_campaign=Just+published+Explainer+How+the+super+El+Ni%C3%B1o+will+reshape+the+world+s+weather ](#id-00-33-54-energy-local-greenhoe-north-norfolk-ian-cray-https-interactive.carbonbrief.org-el-nino-expl) 00:34:00 Lynne Bowers: Yes it is rewarding. The energy in the room is brilliant 00:34:34 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: are the briefings also in Welsh? ### 00:41:18 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration, Gloucestershire: Local action on food security has already started without the Government, in the form of 123 local food partnerships - see [https://www.sustainablefoodplaces.org/ ](https://www.sustainablefoodplaces.org/) 00:41:45 Lynne Bowers: The PM has paused it because of ‘poor optics’ associated with wildfires 00:42:27 Lynne Bowers: Are those areas - Reform dominated? 00:44:28 Lynne Bowers: The LGA has produced a report The role of LAs in climate change but they are very variable 00:46:17 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration, Gloucestershire: Replying to "The LGA has produced a report The role of LAs in climate change but they are very variable" LGA really focuses on districts and above - Great Collaboration have been working more with parishes and towns 00:47:10 Lynne Bowers: Reacted to "LGA really focuses on districts and above - Great Collaboration have been working more with parishes and towns" with 👍 ### 00:50:19 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: Maybe Chris, this would be helpful to help engage with our Herefordshire councillors and MPs? [https://www.nebriefing.org/mp-dialogue ](https://www.nebriefing.org/mp-dialogue) 00:51:22 Lynne Bowers: Yes please! 00:51:26 Jamie Russell NEB (Shrewsbury): \[Full message cannot be displayed on this version] 00:51:41 Lynne Bowers: That would be very useful Jamie - thank you 00:53:38 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: is a there a pack for schools - primary and secondary? 00:54:12 Lynne Bowers: @Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration, Gloucestershire it would be good to collaborate re Herefordshire 00:54:21 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: Reacted to "@Andrew Maliphant, G..." with 👍 00:55:11 Lynne Bowers: @Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton That was a request from our PEB too 👍 00:55:16 Lynne Bowers: Reacted to "@Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration, Gloucestershire it would be good to collaborate re Herefordshire" with 👍 00:56:55 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: Reacted to "@Mordiford and Dormi..." with 👍 00:57:23 Andrew Clegg, Martock, Somerset: Local action. Thanks Andrew for raising this. We will be showing the film a second time and this time it would be good for people to leave with a list of a few simple ideas for local and even individual action. (Think big start small is a useful concept I think). What should the list be? 00:57:34 Lynne Bowers: Who is meeting in October? How can I join? 00:58:41 Kirstin Rayner, Gamlingay parish: Replying to "Local action. Thanks Andrew for raising this. We will be showing the film a second time and this time it would be good for people to leave with a list of a few simple ideas for local and even individual action. (Think big start small is a useful concept I think) What should the list be?" We have used a format using post it notes to help prioritize local action. Happy to share this with you 00:59:02 Jamie Russell NEB (Shrewsbury): Reacted to "We have used a format using post it notes to help prioritize local action. Happy to share this with you" with 🙏 00:59:07 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: Replying to "Local action. Thank..." 👍 01:00:17 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration, Gloucestershire: Replying to "Local action. Thanks Andrew for raising this. We will be showing the film a second time and this time it would be good for people to leave with a list of a few simple ideas for local and even individual action. (Think big start small is a useful concept I think) What should the list be?" Hi Andrew - every place will of course have its own priorities, and each community will make its own action plans, but we've gathered some suggestions at 01:00:48 Kirstin Rayner, Gamlingay parish: Reacted to "Hi Andrew - every place will of course have its own priorities, and each community will make its own action plans, but we've gathered some suggestions at " with 👍 01:01:09 Lynne Bowers: Reacted to "Hi Andrew - every place will of course have its own priorities, and each community will make its own action plans, but we've gathered some suggestions at " with 👍 01:03:09 Andrew Clegg, Martock, Somerset: Replying to "Local action. Thank..." Very helpful thanks. What about a list of little things that people can do in their own homes 01:04:25 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration, Gloucestershire: Replying to "Who is meeting in October? How can I join?" Hi Lynne - we're starting first with national organisations like the Permaculture Association and the Centre for Alternative Technology who are engaged with community climate action and may have some capacity to support a wellspring of positive actions, but let's talk outside this meeting - and about Herefordshire as well - please reach me on 01:05:01 Lynne Bowers: Reacted to "Hi Lynne - we're starting first with national organisations like the Permaculture Association and the Centre for Alternative Technology who are engaged with community climate action and may have some capacity to support a wellspring of positive actions, but let's talk outside this meeting - and about Herefordshire as well - please reach me on " with 👍 01:05:43 Lynne Bowers: Replying to "Who is meeting in October? How can I join?" Excellent I / my colleague Care am engaged / have been engaged with Permaculture ### 01:06:17 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: worth looking at agrivoltaics - using the same land for solar power and agriculture. Greenhouse "PVUs" for example; also some research here: [https://www.earth.com/animals/100-sheep-were-brought-to-volkswagen-solar-plant-as-mowers-not-to-generate-electricity/ ](https://www.earth.com/animals/100-sheep-were-brought-to-volkswagen-solar-plant-as-mowers-not-to-generate-electricity/) ### 01:06:20 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration, Gloucestershire: Our ten stages guidance covers how to manage a move to community action ### [https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/most-frequently-sought-topics/generally-useful-websites/stages-in-managing-a-local-response-to-the-peoples-emergency-briefing-film ](https://wiki.greatcollaboration.uk/knowledgebase/most-frequently-sought-topics/generally-useful-websites/stages-in-managing-a-local-response-to-the-peoples-emergency-briefing-film) ### 01:06:49 Nick Drew (Wirral): It may not be well advertised and perhaps got lost in the change of Prime Minister, but the Government IS looking at this resilience stuff - see UK Resilience Action Plan – July 2026 progress report - [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a5655e1822fbe6b8245c91d/The\_UK\_Government\_Resilience\_Action\_Plan\_2026\_Implementation\_Report.pdf ](#id-01-06-49-nick-drew-wirral-it-may-not-be-well-a-dvertised-and-perhaps-got-lost-in-the-change-of-prime) 01:07:04 Lynne Bowers: Reacted to "It may not be well advertised and perhaps got lost in the change of Prime Minister, but the Government IS looking at this resilience stuff - see UK Resilience Action Plan – July 2026 progress report - " with 👍 ### 01:08:56 Jamie Russell NEB (Shrewsbury): [https://www.nebriefing.org/briefing-principles ](https://www.nebriefing.org/briefing-principles) 01:09:10 Piers Cardiff - Forest of Dean of Climate Action Partnership: Reacted to "worth looking at agrivoltaics - using the same land for solar power and agriculture. Greenhouse "PVUs" for example; also some research here: " with 👍 01:09:12 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration, Gloucestershire: Jamie - as well as chair of the Great Collaboration, I am also the environmental and sustainability advisor for the Society of Local Council Clerks - we must get together! 01:09:34 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: for our PC, as we never or rarely have any members of the public attending something suitable for our facebook pages would be helpful. this seems to be the way that most of our very dispersed parishioners communicate with us. 01:09:44 Lynne Bowers: Reacted to "Jamie - as well as chair of the Great Collaboration, I am also the environmental and sustainability advisor for the Society of Local Council Clerks - we must get together! " with 😊 01:11:03 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: But we do have close links to our primary school, hence the request for a school pack. the school has a large catchment area 01:11:59 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration, Gloucestershire: Replying to "for our PC, as we never or rarely have any members of the public attending something suitable for our facebook pages would be helpful. this seems to be the way that most of our very dispersed parishioners communicate with us." I can get back to you on this 01:12:15 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: Replying to "for our PC, as we ne..." 👍 01:12:26 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration, Gloucestershire: Replying to "for our PC, as we never or rarely have any members of the public attending something suitable for our facebook pages would be helpful. this seems to be the way that most of our very dispersed parishioners communicate with us." Wilco! 01:13:19 Lynne Bowers: There are a range of interesting posts on social media - some strongly worded professional films from new ministers. I’m afraid PC meetings are rather dry for the public! The people most impacted by climate change are the most vulnerable and least able to respond. I’ve heard of people painting their windows with yoghurt or damp attaching foil , ice cubes in bowls of water etc 01:13:35 Piers Cardiff - Forest of Dean of Climate Action Partnership: Thanks for the session, really useful. Sorry have to shoot off now. Keep up the good work Jamie and team at NEB! 01:14:42 Lynne Bowers: People are afraid of Reform and other fossil fuel lobbyists 01:15:26 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: Replying to "People are afraid of..." Who bankrolls them? 01:15:44 Lynne Bowers: Reacted to "Who bankrolls them?" with 👍 01:17:13 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: Replying to "People are afraid of...": science and the environment are being destroyed in the US; oil has taken priority over everything. We must not let that happen here. 01:17:29 Lynne Bowers: Reacted to "science and the environment are being destroyed in the US; oil has taken priority over everything. We must not let that happen here." with 👍 01:19:28 Lynne Bowers: It’s actually disappointingly difficult to coordinate post PEB even in one County! 01:20:43 Lynne Bowers: It’s happening organically but a national convening would be helpful 01:21:06 Lynne Bowers: If AMOC stops WE may well be climate migrants 01:21:13 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: We may be migrating ourselves - 01:21:22 Lynne Bowers: Reacted to "We may be migrating ourselves -" with 👍 01:21:35 Mordiford and Dormington PC Julia Cotton: Thank you Jamie, as you say, timely and will hopefully speed up the necessary changes. I am ever hopeful. 01:21:43 Lynne Bowers: Thank you Jamie and Graham ### 01:21:44 Andrew Maliphant, Great Collaboration, Gloucestershire: We're hopefully starting some national co-ordination from October, agree would be most useful. We're already developing county-based networks, most recently in Essex and Norfolk 01:21:53 Kirstin Rayner, Gamlingay parish: Thanks Jamie and Graham, very helpful and interesting! 01:21:57 Sarah Barnett: Thank you for this morning *** #### Audiotranscript: If anyone wishes to see the audiotranscript, it can be found here: {% embed url="" %} *** #### Markdown version of the slide presentation: ## Slide 1 — National Emergency Briefing ## NATIONAL EMERGENCY BRIEFING ### on climate and nature National Emergency Briefing *** ## Slide 2 *\[Full-slide photograph of a National Emergency Briefing event in an auditorium.]* National Emergency Briefing *** ## Slide 3 — People’s Emergency Briefing Chris Packham · Adam Buxton · Kerrie Hug · Deborah Meaden · Jennifer Saunders ## People’s Emergency Briefing **What we need to know.**\ **What we need to do.** The latest from the UK’s top climate and nature scientists, now shared beyond Westminster. *** ## Slide 4 — Overview The People’s Emergency Briefing film has two aims: * **Inform** the UK public about the gravity and urgency of the environmental crises we face * **Build support** for the government to host a national televised briefing. * **3,200** screenings held or planned, growing fast. **c.180k** reach. * **145** cross-party MPs supporting a televised emergency briefing. * Our petition calling on the government to deliver a televised emergency briefing has just crossed the **100k** signatures mark – which means it will be considered for debate in Parliament. *** ## Slide 5 — Bath University Research ### BATH UNIVERSITY RESEARCH **56%** of audience members come out more hopeful (vs **15%** less) **87%** feel more motivated to act. *** ## Slide 6 — The public isn’t being fully informed… ### The public isn’t being fully informed… #### Britain’s food supply ‘at risk of catastrophic failure by 2030’ A report written before the 2024 election says climate change, habitat loss and geopolitical instability are a danger to food security — and it has been ignored #### HM Government #### Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security A national security assessment #### Suppressed climate report warned of mass migration and nuclear war Unabridged document said disappearing forests and rivers drying up could drive people to Europe and lead to conflict in Asia *** ## Slide 7 — What’s the theory of change? ### What’s the theory of change? #### Government owns the urgency of the problem * Prompted by events, growing evidence, and public demand for clarity on govt position. * Recognition that headwinds of misinformation are making it more difficult for it to deliver existing commitments, including the co-benefits that most people mind about. * Recognition that existing governance of climate and nature risk is not working (particularly on adaptation) – it needs PM leadership. #### Government communicates the size of the problem/opportunity to the UK public * Tackle deliberate misinformation head on; * Acknowledge fear from extreme summer and risk as we go into Autumn/Winter * Opportunity to reset/reframe the narrative on ‘net zero’/climate change and position it within the devolution/cost of living agendas #### Space opens up for action * Increases trust between govt and public, opening up new pathways for public participation. * Enhances operating environment to deliver existing commitments; * Provides space to ramp up additional action, including increased focus on adaptation. *** ## Slide 8 — A call to action for local councils * Councils are in the frontline of the climate and nature crisis. * Over **100 councils** have held People’s Emergency Briefing screenings for staff and members – some multiple times. * Impact of climate and nature risk on **delivery of services, business continuity, community resilience.** * Councils have started to pass motions in support of a televised emergency briefing by the government. * Councils are well-placed to engage with MPs (and MS-es, MSPs, MLAs) on this issue. ### A call to action for local councils *** ## Slide 9 — What next? ## WHAT NEXT? * **100k petition signatures – Parliamentary debate pending** * **Increasing impacts this autumn/winter from El Nino** * **Grassroots pressure continues to grow on MPs** * **Screenings continuing into 2027** * **International expansion of NEB** #### Petitions — UK Parliament and UK Government **Hold a UK-wide briefing on climate and nature risks** Created by Christopher Packham\ Closes on 20 November 2026 *** *** --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. 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