Mathison welcomes community action on climate change at packed Killyleagh screening

Alliance Strangford MLA Nick Mathison has praised Killyleagh Community Association for bringing local people together to discuss climate change following a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing at the Bridge Centre in Killyleagh.

Nick attended alongside Alliance colleague Councillor David Lee-Surginor. The well-attended event featured a screening of the documentary presented by Chris Packham, followed by an enthusiastic discussion about how local communities can respond to the climate crisis.

Strangford Alliance MLA Nick Mathison said: “It was encouraging to see the Bridge Centre packed and so many people actively engaged in the discussion.

“The documentary delivered some stark warnings about climate change, but also highlighted the opportunities to build a better, more prosperous society through climate action.

“Alliance wants to see Northern Ireland meeting its ambitious climate targets and enjoying the benefits of decarbonisation: warmer homes, cheaper energy bills, cleaner air, better public transport and a healthier environment.

“Unfortunately, the DUP continues to delay progress, with Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan and Green Growth Strategy still awaiting Executive agreement.

“We cannot afford to keep putting off the decisions needed to protect our environment and deliver real benefits for households.”

Cllr David Lee-Surginor (Rowallane) added: “I want to congratulate Killyleagh Community Association, particularly Sean O’Brien and Carolyn Price, for organising such a successful event. It’s especially encouraging that they’re taking practical steps to establish a local climate resilience group to turn these conversations into action.

“Local communities have an important role to play in tackling climate change, and events like this show the interest and willingness there is to make a difference.

“I’d encourage other community groups to consider hosting a screening and starting their own conversations about what they can do.”

Killyleagh Community Association Leads Way In The Debate On Clmate Change

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.

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.

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.”

Following the film, attendees will be invited to take part in a structured discussion, designed to support open, constructive conversation about the issues raised and what they may mean locally.

Organisers emphasise that the event is intended as a civic space, bringing together residents, community leaders and decision-makers. The local MP, MLAs and councillors have been invited to attend and take part in this important community event.

Sean O’Brien, chair of Killyleagh Community Association, one of the organisers of the event, said: “‘This is about creating space for people to come together, look at the evidence, and begin a more open and informed conversation about what it means for our community.

“And it is about how we can support the bolder action now called for by the science, which will also do so much to improve lives, as the film explains.”

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.