In the midst of a heatwave and severe drought in Britain 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.
London is famous for its historic stone architecture, but it also boasts a vast urban forest, considered one of the largest in the world. However, this year has been challenging for the city’s trees, with five consecutive heatwaves and minimal rainfall putting a strain on plants and wildlife. A recent report from Royal Botanic Gardens Kew warns that climate change could put 73% of London’s trees at risk of dying by the end of the century.
The Kew Gardens tree collections team collaborated with the Greater London Authority to assess over a million public trees, revealing that 62% have low suitability to future climate conditions without intervention. Additionally, nearly 11% are classified as vulnerable. In 2022, 400 trees at Kew Gardens perished due to extreme heat and drought.
As the effects of climate change intensify, London is experiencing conditions more akin to Barcelona. Botanists are considering planting different tree species that can thrive in the city’s changing climate. English oak trees, native to Britain, are struggling in the heat but have shown adaptability to warmer regions like the southern United States.
Paul Wood, an author specializing in London’s trees, expressed concerns about the impact of extreme heat and drought on the city’s renowned tree canopy. Ancient woodlands like Highgate Woods and Hampstead Heath are facing challenges, with trees dating back centuries at risk. Wood emphasized the irreplaceable value of these trees, not only for their historical significance but also for the biodiversity they sustain.