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 detach from the tree, a sign of stress attributed to the extreme heat. Hariramani, who showcases fruit trees and their caretakers across London on her social media account Fruity Walks, explained that inadequate water supply during high temperatures can lead to parts of the tree wilting and falling off.

While London is often recognized for its historic stone buildings, the city also boasts a vast urban forest, considered one of the largest globally. However, this year has been challenging for the lush canopy due to consecutive heatwaves and minimal rainfall, putting significant strain on plants and wildlife. A recent report from the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew warns that as climate change progresses, approximately 73% of London’s trees are at risk of perishing by the end of the century.

The Kew Gardens team, in collaboration with the Greater London Authority, evaluated over a million public trees and found that 62% of them are ill-suited for the projected climate conditions by 2090 without intervention. Additionally, nearly 11% are deemed vulnerable. The impact of climate change is already evident, with 400 trees at Kew Gardens succumbing to extreme heat and drought in 2022.

Amid the worsening conditions, discussions are underway about adapting London’s tree population to the changing climate. Botanical experts are considering planting different tree species better suited to the anticipated warmer and drier environment. The aim is to ensure the resilience of the urban forest while withstanding England’s traditionally wet winters.

Paul Wood, a renowned author focusing on London’s trees, expressed concerns about the future of the city’s green spaces given the escalating challenges of extreme heat and drought. Ancient woodlands like Highgate Woods and Hampstead Heath, housing trees that have witnessed centuries of history, are particularly vulnerable. Wood emphasized the irreplaceable value of these trees, not only for their historical significance but also for the biodiversity they sustain.

The urgency to address the impact of climate change on London’s urban tree canopy is paramount, as the city grapples with the repercussions of a rapidly changing environment.