In the midst of a heatwave and intense drought in the UK this summer, Divya Hariramani was trimming a plum tree in south London when she observed an issue with one of its branches. The branch was starting to detach from the tree, indicating stress in the fruit tree due to the heat. Hariramani, who showcases fruit trees and their caretakers in London on her social media account called Fruity Walks, explained that the lack of water supply to the tree’s parts can lead to such issues.
London, known for its historical stone buildings, is also famous for its well-established urban forest, considered one of the largest globally. However, this year has been challenging for the city’s green cover due to five consecutive heatwaves and a significant rainfall deficit impacting plants and wildlife. A recent report from the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew predicts that by the end of the century, around 73% of London’s trees could be at risk of succumbing to climate change.
The team at Kew Gardens collaborated with the Greater London Authority to evaluate over a million public trees, revealing that 62% of them are poorly suited to the expected climate conditions by 2090 without emission reduction measures. Additionally, nearly 11% of the trees are classified as “vulnerable.” The impact of climate change is already evident, with 400 trees at Kew Gardens dying in 2022 due to extreme heat and drought.
As climate conditions worsen, London faces the potential loss of a significant portion of its urban tree canopy. With temperatures rising, experts are considering planting different tree species that can adapt to the changing climate. Joe Richomme, a botanical horticulturist at Kew Gardens, compared the projected climate in London by 2050 to that of present-day Barcelona, emphasizing the need for resilient tree species.
Paul Wood, a renowned author focusing on London’s trees, expressed concerns about the future of the city’s green spaces amidst the rising temperatures and drought. Wood highlighted the significance of ancient woodlands in London, such as Highgate Woods and Hampstead Heath, home to trees that have witnessed centuries of history. The loss of these trees, which support valuable biodiversity, would be irreplaceable.
The challenges faced by London’s urban forest underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on the city’s iconic trees and green landscapes.