Climate change issues on the silver screen in Duns
Climate change and its impact on all our lives was on the agenda when a Berwickshire-based environmental group hosted a screening of a thought-provoking new film.
Greener Duns encourages action to improve the local environment and support positive community changes towards a more sustainable future.
Local people with an interest in what changes to climate and nature mean for everyday life watched a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing at the town’s Volunteer Hall.
The eye-opening film brought together nine leading UK scientists and experts with the latest evidence and why it matters for things such as extreme weather, food security, health, and cost of living.
The film features appearances from Chris Packham, Deborah Meaden and a range of voices from across the UK.
The screening formed part of a UK-wide film-and-discussion initiative focusing on the climate and nature crisis.
Following the screening, audience members raised questions and concerns about the issues highlighted in the film.
A panel of local contributors then discussed practical steps they are already taking to reduce carbon emissions and support a sustainability agenda.
Two Scottish Parliament election candidates contributed to the discussion.
Ray Georgeson, Scottish Liberal Democrat constituency candidate for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, spoke about his long-standing environmental interests and encouraged people to write personal, individual letters to elected representatives rather than relying only on organised campaigns.
Duns-based Goldie-Scot, Scottish Family Party list candidate for the South Scotland region, spoke about his experience as a civil engineer of working in a profession that is already fully focussed on practical responses to climate-related challenges.
He cautioned against approaches based on emotion and compulsion, noting that bodies such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change avoid terms such as “emergency” or “crisis”, instead focussing on informed professionals, governments and citizens working together to reduce impacts and risks.
The evening included a hopeful assessment that many such practical solutions already exist and that in order to maintain progress it is important to bring together people from across the political spectrum with a shared interest in sustainability.
It closed with a discussion of how residents, community groups and decision-makers can respond locally to the challenges raised in the film.