Chris Packham: Is It Time To Break The Law? viewers were left in tears on Wednesday night as the nature campaigner and Springwatch host issued a frightening message about climate change on Channel 4.
The naturalist opened the Channel 4 documentary with a hard hitting message about the extent of the crisis – on a day which saw Prime Minister Rishi Sunak row back on the UK’s climate change targets.
He met Just Stop Oil protesters who have been sent to prison and considered whether it was time for himself to break the law too in order to get the message across.
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Chris Packham told viewers at the start of the episode: “Science for me is the art of understanding truth and beauty. Listen, life has vanished since I’ve loved it.
“There is no ambiguity left whatsoever. And this is happening in my lifetime. We’re still pumping oil, we’re still digging for coal. There are thousands of people dying around the world due to the impacts of climate. The world is still burning or flooding. We are sleepwalking to an apocalypse.
“I have completely lost trust in the government and judiciary. We have tried conversation, it doesn’t work. It’s lies. They are lying to us. We’ve got to do something.
“How far do I need to go? How far can I go? Do I have to do very bad things? I’m not having this. Ultimately I’ve got to do something.”
Then the message flashed up: “Is it time to break the law?”
Chris then told us how 69% of life on earth has vanished since he first got into wildlife as a child.
“I’ve reached a fork in the road. For years I’ve been a peaceful activist but none of it has worked. Perhaps I have to take another route.”
Chris then spent the episode meeting the activists who think that mass civil disobedience is required in order to force policy change, including radical environmentalist, Andreas Malm, who believes in extreme, violent action.
(Image: Channel 4)
He then visits Just Stop Oil protesters who have had lorries driven at them, and one is behind bars. He visits him in prison and says that society ‘ought to feel ashamed’ for putting such principled people behind bars.
Ultimately Packham decided not to break the law, but through the course of the documentary, shined a light on those who did in a very sympathetic way, and viewers backed him and them.
The documentary was especially well timed after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement about delaying the ban on petrol and diesel cars just earlier today.
One viewer said: “The beginning of the Chris Packham documentary. Just listened to it and cried and cried. It’s what I’m thinking every day.”
@rabblechorus said: “Just watched #chrispackhamc4 with a lump in my throat. It’s incredibly upsetting to watch because so many of us are sat struggling with the exact same questions, desperate to save our own future & that of our natural world in the face of a govt that seem like sheer evil in suits.”
@helenski7 said: “Big fan of Chris…his passion, integrity and intellect being applied to survival of the planet. Excellent to see an angle that favours brave climate protesters. In searching for ‘the answer’ it would be good to see examples of mass action as well as individuals #ChrisPackhamC4 ”
@mschristwit said: “Only caught last 30 mins of #ChrisPackhamC4 as we’d a weather-induced power cut. Again Chris spoke with total integrity & shares his dilemma. Congratulations to Chris Packham, & on today of all days. Who was K Charles most proud of today- UK citizen Chris or UK government? Guess”
@ljlittleson said: “Let’s make @ChrisGPackham PM. This government is breaking my heart. #ChrisPackhamC4 ”
@thierryaaron said: “I now consider it the ethically responsible thing to do” I stand with @ChrisGPackham it is now ethically justified to break the law in peaceful protest in the face of the betrayal of our governments inaction on the climate & ecological crises!”
@belongtostreets said: “Was reminded tonight that TV at its best, can be powerful, urgent, relevant and strangely beautiful. Bravo #ChrisPackhamC4 ”
@marclungley said: “I’m about halfway through the documentary great work @ChrisGPackham We need to realise change only starts when people are willing to break the law for their cause. No violent direct action now is a must.”
Chris Packham: Is It Time To Break The Law is still available on Channel4.com catchup service
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