In the midst of a heatwave and severe drought in the UK this summer, Divya Hariramani noticed a troubling issue with a plum tree she was pruning in south London. One of the tree’s branches was starting to split from the main trunk. According to the workers at Mitcham Community Orchard, the stress on the fruit tree was due to the intense heat causing water deficiency, leading to parts of the tree withering and dropping.
While London is famous for its historic stone architecture, the city is also renowned for its vast urban forest, considered one of the largest globally. However, this year has been challenging for the city’s lush canopy due to five consecutive heatwaves and a significant lack of rainfall, putting a strain on plants and wildlife. The future looks even bleaker for London’s eight million trees.
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 dying due to climate change. The assessment conducted by Kew Gardens in collaboration with the Greater London Authority revealed that 62% of over a million public trees have low suitability for future climate conditions, and nearly 11% are classified as vulnerable.
The impact of climate change is already evident, with 400 trees at Kew Gardens perishing in 2022 due to extreme heat and drought. The gardens left a red oak tree skeleton standing, symbolizing the effects of climate change on London’s trees. The situation worsened with the declaration of a major drought in England and Wales, making July the driest on record in the UK, prompting concerns of food shortages and wildfires.
With London experiencing rising temperatures beyond the tolerance of its current tree species, botanists are considering planting more resilient varieties. Joe Richomme, a botanical horticulturist at Kew Gardens, highlighted the need to adapt London’s tree selection to match the climate conditions projected for 2050, resembling those of Barcelona today.
Paul Wood, an author known for his works on London’s trees, expressed concerns about the future of the city’s green spaces amidst extreme heat and drought. He emphasized the historical significance and biodiversity supported by London’s ancient woodlands, stressing the irreplaceable nature of these iconic trees that have withstood centuries of history.
Overall, as London grapples with the impacts of climate change on its urban tree canopy, efforts to adapt and preserve the city’s green heritage will be crucial in ensuring a sustainable future for its iconic trees and natural landscapes.