Residents of Grassington and the surrounding area are invited to a free screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing at The Octagon, Grassington Devonshire Institute, BD23 5AA, on Saturday 1 August from 7 pm to 9 pm.
The event, organised by Climate Action Grassington, will be attended by Professor David Hill CBE DL, a Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and founder and president of Foundation For Nature.
The 50-minute film brings together nine leading UK scientists and experts to explain the latest evidence on climate change and nature loss, and what it could mean for extreme weather, food security, health and the cost of living. It includes appearances from wildlife presenter Chris Packham and businesswoman Deborah Meaden, alongside voices from communities across the UK.
The film grew out of the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025. More than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media attended the landmark event, where experts examined risks to public health, food supplies, infrastructure, the economy and national security.
For Grassington and the wider Yorkshire Dales, where farming, water, wildlife and changing weather conditions are closely connected to local life and livelihoods, organisers say the film provides an opportunity to consider how global and national risks may affect communities locally.
A spokesperson for Climate Action Grassington said:
“This is an opportunity for people to come together, hear clear information and think about what it may mean for our own community. We want to create space for an open and informed discussion, and the event is open to anyone, whatever their starting point or previous view.”
Professor Hill said:
“Climate change and biodiversity loss are both existential threats to us. We are already seeing the effects of climate change through dramatic increases in energy in the atmosphere leading to greater extremes of intense heat, more and heavier rainfall, flooding and loss of snowbound winters.
“Catastrophic global impacts include habitat loss, desertification, a lack of water, wildfires, and potential changes to ocean currents, all of which will make the planet less habitable for our ever-growing human population.
“His Majesty The King has led the march to have climate change impacts properly recognised with urgency. Our window for influencing future climate change is closing; that is why people must embrace the challenge and take notice of the very sobering messages from this important film.”
Professor Hill is a prominent nature conservationist whose work has included developing the concept of biodiversity net gain. He has served as deputy chair of Natural England and held senior roles with a range of conservation and environmental organisations.
Doors open at 6.45 pm, with a community discussion following the screening. Tickets are free, though booking is recommended due to limited seating. Light refreshments will be available. Donations towards venue hire and the event’s running costs are welcome. The recommended minimum age is 16.