As much as 72 per cent of London's urban canopy could be at risk because of heat and drought inflicted by global warming, according to the Kew Gardens Tree Collections and Arboriculture team. In collaboration with the Greater London Authority, the report found that 62 per cent of London's 1.2 million trees have low suitability to warmer urban environments while 10 per cent are already vulnerable. It comes as a record heatwave took hold of the capital last week, with parts of London reaching 36C.
Heatwaves Could Become the New Norm
Experts are warning that heatwaves could become the new norm unless action is urgently taken. Trees are already important to London's landscape, but will be increasingly vital in an unstable climate as they help to cool streets during summer droughts and absorb excess stormwater during wet winters.
Native Trees at Highest Risk
Kew Gardens also said it will work with the GLA to choose more suitable urban trees with higher survival rates. As it stands, many British native trees such as the common beech, silver birch, holly and oak trees are all at highest risk of failure. Losing these trees would also have a knock on effect for individual species of fungi, birds, mammals and lichens, which rely on these native plants.
Kew's Climate Changed Oak
Kew Gardens painted a dead oak tree red in 2022 to mark the importance of action in the face of climate change following the record heatwave which led to the loss of 400 trees in the botanical gardens. Richard Deverell, Director of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said: “Trees are vital for all life on earth, including humanity. They provide a home for a huge diversity of animals, plants and fungi. They are a source of food, rainfall, materials, cooling and great beauty. Yet they are threatened by climate change. The heatwave at Kew in July 2022 killed 400 of our trees. Highlighting this Climate Changed Oak brings tangible evidence to help our visitors understand that climate change is here and now and is damaging our living landscapes.”
City Hall Warned About Tree Loss
City Hall was warned about the loss of trees in May last year, with experts urging the London Assembly to learn from Sweden and take action to plant trees more suited to hotter and drier environments.
