Hastings community and MP gather for climate change film screening and discussion
Hastings residents, politicians and community groups gathered on Saturday (August 1) for a film screening examining the potential impacts of climate change, followed by a discussion of local challenges.
The event featured The People's Emergency Briefing, a 50-minute public information film which explores issues including national security, food production, biodiversity, water supplies, energy and the economy in the context of climate change and nature loss.
Organisers said attendees took part in discussion groups focused on issues affecting Hastings, with tables dedicated to topics including local infrastructure and community resilience.
Event organisers said the aim was to encourage conversations about challenges facing the town and highlight groups already working on related issues.
Jessica Townsend, one of the organisers, said: “Hastings is on the front line because it is in the South East - it is hotter and drier than many areas and already has crumbling infrastructure. We don't need to imagine disasters down the line because they are already with us: heatwaves, wildfires, floods, landslips, mains water outages, cost of food crisis and energy crisis.”
The Observer Building, home to Hastings Commons, hosted the event.
Gini Simpson, from Hastings Commons, said: “Hastings Commons was delighted to host a screening of The People's Emergency Briefing film and community consultation. This film is unmissable and needs to be seen by everyone.”
Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore also attended the screening and took part in one of the discussion groups.
The event was organised by Rebecca Sinker of the Clean Water Action Group, Jane Ripley of Stand Up for Nature and Jessica Townsend, founder of MP Watch and Writers Rebel.
Organisers said further screenings of The People's Emergency Briefing are planned at the Electric Palace Cinema on August 27 and August 29.
Additional screenings are also planned in Ore and Hollington, alongside an event for faith groups, councillors and council officials.
People interested in organising a local screening can contact the organisers via [email protected].
According to organisers, The People's Emergency Briefing has been screened at more than 2,000 community venues across the UK since its release in April 2026.
Fronted by naturalist and television presenter Chris Packham, the independently produced film examines scientific evidence and analysis relating to climate change and biodiversity loss, and has been distributed through community-led screenings in venues including churches, town halls and workplaces.