London's Royal Botanical Gardens faces major tree loss due to climate change

Kew Gardens could lose over half of its tree species by 2090 due to climate change, a new study warns.

Helena Horton reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• Kew Gardens lost 400 trees during the 2022 drought, prompting a study on future climate risks.
• More than 50% of Kew’s tree species are vulnerable to dying as London’s climate is predicted to resemble Barcelona’s by 2050.
• Kew’s succession plan includes replacing at-risk trees with drought-tolerant species from hotter climates.

Key quote:

“By focusing on resilience and adaptability we hope to show it is possible to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change in both urban spaces and gardens such as Kew.”

— Richard Barley, director of gardens at Kew.

Why this matters:

Imagine the iconic Kew Gardens, a sanctuary of global flora, transforming into a somber reminder of our environmental neglect. The potential loss of these trees isn't just about losing greenery; it's about the ripple effect on biodiversity, air quality and the overall health of our planet. Read more: Respect the elderly: Saving cities’ oldest trees.