In the midst of a heatwave and severe drought in the UK this summer, Divya Hariramani was trimming a plum tree in south London when she noticed an issue with one of its branches. The branch was starting to split from the tree, a result of the tree being stressed due to the heat and lack of water supply.
While London is well-known for its stone architecture, the city also boasts a mature urban forest, recognized as one of the largest globally. However, this year has been challenging for the lush canopy, with five consecutive heat waves and minimal rainfall straining plants and wildlife, particularly the city’s eight million trees.
A recent report by the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew predicts that by the end of the century, approximately 73 percent of London’s trees could be in danger of perishing due to climate change. The report highlights that a significant portion of the city’s public trees are currently ill-suited to anticipated climate conditions, with a notable percentage already considered vulnerable.
In response to the changing climate, botanists are considering planting different tree species in London as temperatures rise. Joe Richomme, a botanical horticulturist at Kew Gardens, mentioned that by 2050, London’s climate is expected to resemble that of Barcelona today. Kew Gardens is exploring tree species that can thrive in hotter, drier conditions while enduring England’s wetter winters.
Author Paul Wood, renowned for his writings on London’s trees, expressed concerns about the future of the city’s tree-lined streets and ancient woodlands amidst the record-breaking heat and drought. Wood emphasized the historical and ecological significance of London’s old trees, some dating back a thousand years, underlining their irreplaceable value.