Addressing a crowd of Lewes locals and visitors from surrounding villages, the conversation quickly evolved into an impassioned call for collective responsibility, as both speakers addressed the emergency nature of climate action and the need for systemic change across so many of our systems, from economic, to social to environmental.
Natalie Bennett questioned whether our current political and economic systems are fit for purpose, challenging the audience to reconsider the prevailing definition of success. “We have to stop chasing GDP growth on a finite planet,” she said. “It’s not only ecologically impossible – it’s socially unjust.” Professor Montgomery echoed these concerns, linking planetary health with the “health of everything” – from mental wellbeing to food systems and biodiversity. “Climate change isn’t a problem for tomorrow,” he warned. “It’s already a public health crisis.”
A recurring theme of the evening was the interconnectedness of all systems – and how failure in one leads to failure in others. Both speakers stressed that the future demands a more holistic vision, grounded in preventative thinking and long-term planning rather than reactive crisis management. This is especially relevant, Montgomery noted, in the context of healthcare, where political will often stops short of investing in early interventions, and the importance of finding new ways to address the climate science which has an intrinsic link to global public health.
Audience members raised thoughtful – and at times challenging – questions during a lively Q&A, many voicing concerns about climate fatigue and feelings of helplessness. “There’s a lot of despair,” one participant noted. “How do we stop people from switching off?” Bennett responded by highlighting the need for hopeful, collective action, citing growing grassroots movements and community-led initiatives as evidence that momentum for change is building.
The discussion also touched on the fragility of democracy, particularly in the face of rising populist narratives across Europe. Bennett argued for building resilient democracies and for radically rethinking inequality.
Organised with the intent of sparking local engagement around global issues, the event forms the first in a series of local events organised by Lewes Green Party. As Councillor Paul Keene put it in closing, “If ever there was a time to be thinking differently – and acting decisively – it’s now.”
Keep up to date with further events hosted by Lewes Green Party over the coming year: Welcome to Lewes District Green Party - Lewes Green Party