A small group of residents are bringing a national “climate emergency briefing” to Trafford for a public screening, hoping to spark conversation within their community around the impacts of the climate crisis and what solutions are available. Local politicians and residents are invited to attend a screening of ‘The People’s Emergency Briefing’, which will be followed by a community discussion to create hope and motivation to bring about change.
The screening, organised by Extinction Rebellion Trafford, will take place on Sunday 17th May at 7 pm at Clay Studio, 20 King Street, Stretford, M32 8AE.
The event follows the devastating 2025 New Year’s floods, which caused widespread disruption across Trafford and neighbouring communities after intense rainfall sent the River Mersey over its banks. Homes and businesses were inundated, forcing some residents to evacuate; roads became impassable and transport links were severely disrupted.
The new film, featuring Chris Packham, leading climate and nature scientists, a former general and Jennifer Saunders, outlines the threats to health, the economy, food and national security caused by climate and nature breakdown and presents evidence that risks can still be reduced.
Organisers state the screening will help the local community better understand the wider implications of the increasingly severe and unpredictable weather patterns, but also to understand the solutions that exist. The event aims to empower people to understand what actions they can take collectively to bring about positive changes.
Extinction Rebellion member Jemma Russell, 37, a Data Analyst from Altrincham, said:
“The increasingly severe heatwaves, droughts and floods we have seen in Trafford and around the world are frightening and a real wake-up call to the effects climate breakdown has on our families and communities. This fear can feel overwhelming and, as individuals, we can feel powerless to deliver the scale of change required. We are showing this film to cut through the misinformation to provide local people with clear, expert information on what is happening, but also on how we can act collaboratively within our communities to create a future that benefits both people and planet.”
The Trafford screening will be followed by a ‘hackathon’ style workshop, facilitated by Dr Sharon Coen, Associate Professor in Media Psychology at the University of Salford. This will bring people together to discuss specific issues and focus on solutions and opportunities related to climate action.
Trafford MPs, councillors and residents have been invited to attend to be informed about the official evidence and to discuss residents’ concerns and ideas for change.
The event is part of a nationwide programme that brings a major UK climate briefing to local communities, making essential information about the climate crisis accessible nationwide. It aims to help residents understand what is driving extreme weather and how we can respond.
The People’s Emergency Briefing film is adapted from a national event held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 politicians, business leaders and representatives from faith, sport and media gathered to hear from leading experts on the climate crisis.
Broadcaster and environmental campaigner Chris Packham, who opened the initial national briefing, said:
“I’d encourage people everywhere to attend a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing. It creates exactly the kind of honest local conversation we now urgently need, both about what these changes mean where we live, and abotut what we can do together to address them.”
The programme is supported by organisations across conservation, education and civil society, including WWF, the National Trust, CPRE and the Royal Meteorological Society.
The event is free to attend, although tickets are required due to venue capacity. Tickets and further information can be found here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-emergency-briefing-tickets-1988263206774?aff=oddtdtcreator