The People’s Emergency Briefing, Lochwinnoch

Renfrewshire Climate Action Network (RenCAN) partnered with the Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust and Lochwinnoch Force For Nature to bring free screenings of the People’s Emergency Briefing to Lochwinnoch during Climate Week. We welcomed both residents and visitors (78 people in total) to the McKillop Institute on Wednesday 30th September, to watch and discuss this powerful film about the climate and nature crisis. 

Becky Duncan of Open Aye kindly facilitated discussions after the film screenings. The concern expressed at issues raised in the film, ranging from climate change and tipping points, to food security and economics, was balanced with much-needed optimism. Contributions from the audience revealed the community spirit of Lochwinnoch, showing a clear determination to act (individually and collectively), to achieve meaningful change.

But this was just the start of the conversation. We hope that it has spurred people on to: 

• spread the word (by organising more screenings of the People’s Emergency Briefing), 

• galvanise the community to work together to tackle local issues raised in the film, and

• encourage meaningful and urgent action from our elected representatives. 

One participant shared, "I think I'll remember seeing this film, in this hall with you lot forever. I hope we choose what's next wisely and we look back in ten years with things changed for the better."

We would like to thank all the local businesses and organisations who kindly helped us to advertise the event. If you would be interested in hosting your own screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing, or would be keen to attend regular local film screenings and/or meet-ups related to the climate and nature crisis, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at RenCAN (enquiries@renfrewshireclimate.scot).

Article written by Sylvie Coupaud, Lochwinnoch Force for Nature

Photo Credits: Becky Duncan, Open Aye