I was expecting to be disappointed by the National Emergency Briefing film. I thought it would be lots of doom plus techno-optimism. I don't believe either are terribly useful to approaches to engaging people around the polycrisis.

But it was actually very good.

Yes, there was plenty of doom. The AMOC stuff is genuinely terrifying. Yes, there was a certain amount of techno-optimism, mainly in the context of the fact that we have already seen a massive shift to renewables and EVs - so the point was more that we can make changes, rather than tech will save us.

For me, what really made the film however, was the way each segment was followed by people (the implication was 'ordinary people' though there were some celebs) giving their immediate reaction to what they'd just seen and discussing it a bit with the host Chris Packham.

That was the real message, and they were the real messengers - people like 'us' in the audience also care about this, are equally shocked and horrified, and are f&kcing angry at the lack action of by politicians that is commensurate to the challenge, and at the media for not telling the truth about what's going on.

And, thank goodness, the final message from Packham that closed the film was: yes, there's lots of great stuff we can do as individuals and communities, but it's absolutely crucial that elected representatives get up to speed and get cracking.

I attended a public screening in a local community centre, and any group or organisation or business can arrange a screening. After the film there's is an opportunity for people to discuss the film and their response with other audience members.

If anyone is looking to hold a screening in or around Edinburgh, I'd be delighted to help facilitate the session - pro bono.

Find out more including map of screenings and how to host a screening: https://www.nebriefing.org/