A free public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing recently took place at Mountbatten Leisure Centre in Hilsea, Portsmouth.

The screening formed part of a growing UK-wide programme of events designed to help ensure that both the public and decision-makers are clearly and honestly informed about the climate and nature crisis - and what it may mean for communities across the country.

In November 2025, more than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media gathered at Westminster Central Hall for the National Emergency Briefing - a landmark event bringing together leading experts to assess the UK’s exposure to climate and nature risks.

The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, set out the implications of climate and nature breakdown for food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security, alongside evidence-based actions that could reduce these risks.

This national event has now been adapted into a 50-minute public film, The People’s Emergency Briefing, which launched nationwide on 7th April and is now being screened in communities across the UK.

With screenings taking place nationwide, local events form part of a broader effort to build a shared understanding of climate and nature risks across the UK, and to support constructive public dialogue about future choices.

Chris Packham 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 about what we can do together to address them.”

The film brings together leading scientists to present a clear picture of the challenges ahead, while creating space for local communities to consider what these issues may mean in their local area, and how they can support their MP to call for stronger action.

Following the film, attendees were invited to take part in a structured discussion, designed to support open, constructive conversation about the issues raised and what they may mean locally. The event brought together residents, community leaders, councillors and decision-makers.

Mountbatten Leisure Centre is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live on behalf of Portsmouth City Council.

On behalf of BH Live, David Marsh, Sustainability and Energy Manager, shared;

"We were delighted to have hosted this free screening of The People's Emergency Briefing at Mountbatten Leisure Centre, providing a space for local people to come together and discuss issues that affect us all.

“At BH Live, we're committed to reducing our environmental impact and creating healthier, more sustainable communities through our venues and services. It was fantastic to host an event that encouraged informed, constructive conversations and positive action across Portsmouth."

BH Live works closely with local authorities and partners to accelerate its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing local biodiversity at its leisure and event venues across Dorset, Hampshire, and Croydon.

Its leisure centres and event venues across Dorset and Hampshire have achieved Green Mark Level 2 accreditation, recognising the charity’s environmental management practices and commitment to continuous improvement.

Recent sustainable investments at BH Live Active leisure centres in Portsmouth include solar panel installations and a swimming pool support cover at Mountbatten Leisure Centre (funded by Portsmouth City Council’s Swimming Pool Support Fund).

As BH Live looks ahead to the coming year, there’s a real sense of excitement. More improvements, new partnerships, and fresh ideas are already taking shape, all helping BH Live create greener, healthier communities.

Going forward, the charity has also pulled together a five-year environmental strategy plan to continue reviewing opportunities to minimise its energy usage, and introduce more efficient processes across its leisure centres and venues.

More information about Mountbatten Leisure Centre is available online at bhliveactive.org.uk/Mountbatten.

More information about BH Live is available online at bhlive.org.uk.