Penarth climate screening draws 100 people and sparks calls for urgent action

A film screening in Penarth has prompted renewed demands for faster action on climate change and biodiversity loss, while generating proposals for new environmental projects led by local residents.

More than 100 tickets were issued for a showing of The People’s Emergency Briefing at the Paget Rooms. The film was followed by an open discussion in which audience members shared concerns about the climate and nature crises and considered how communities could respond.

The event was organised by Gwyrddio Penarth Greening (GPG) to make climate science and its consequences more accessible, while encouraging people to take practical action locally and press for stronger policies at national level.

Organisers welcomed the turnout, saying the level of interest demonstrated a willingness among Penarth residents to engage with environmental challenges. They described the post-screening conversation as energetic and constructive, with participants exchanging ideas about individual, political and community-led action.

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A recurring message from the audience was that global heating and ecological decline must no longer be treated as marginal concerns. Participants argued that the scale of the risks requires ambitious measures, wider public participation and a stronger sense of urgency from elected representatives.

Suggested next steps included contacting MPs and Members of the Senedd, arranging additional screenings and inviting people who have not previously engaged with environmental campaigns. GPG indicated that it could help local groups interested in hosting similar events.

Residents were also encouraged to ask their elected representatives to support calls for a televised public briefing on the climate and nature emergency. A national petition advocating such a broadcast attracted more than 133,000 signatures and secured consideration in Parliament.

Community projects proposed

The evening went beyond raising awareness, with attendees putting forward several ideas that could support Penarth’s transition to a lower-carbon and more resilient future.

• Investigating community-owned renewable energy schemes.
• Creating a green lottery to finance local environmental work.
• Building a skills database to connect volunteers with projects needing specialist knowledge.
• Holding further public events to broaden participation in climate action.
• Increasing pressure on decision-makers to adopt stronger climate and nature policies.

Community energy projects could allow residents to play a direct role in producing cleaner power while retaining more of the financial benefits locally. A dedicated funding scheme could also provide smaller initiatives with resources for activities such as habitat restoration, energy efficiency, sustainable transport and waste reduction.

The proposed skills network would help match people with relevant experience to groups seeking practical support. Organisers hope the momentum created by the screening will lead to lasting participation rather than a one-off conversation.