In the midst of a heatwave and prolonged drought 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 separate from the tree, a result of the tree being stressed due to inadequate water supply caused by the intense heat. Hariramani, who shares her experiences documenting fruit trees and their caretakers in London on her social media account called Fruity Walks, explained the impact of the heat on trees.

Despite London’s renowned stone architecture, the city also boasts a vast urban forest that is considered one of the largest globally, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. However, this year has posed significant challenges for the city’s lush canopy due to consecutive heat waves and a lack of rainfall, placing strain on plants and wildlife.

According to a recent report from the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London’s urban forest faces a bleak future. By the end of the century, it is projected that about 73% of the city’s trees could be at risk of perishing due to climate change. The report highlighted the vulnerability of London’s urban trees, indicating that a substantial portion of them may not be suited to the anticipated climate conditions by 2090.

In response to the changing climate, experts are considering planting different tree species better adapted to the increasing temperatures. With London expected to resemble Barcelona’s climate by 2050, botanists at Kew Gardens are exploring options for planting trees that can thrive in hotter and drier conditions while enduring England’s wet winters.

Paul Wood, an author known for his publications on London’s trees, expressed concerns about the future of the city’s tree-lined streets and ancient woodlands. He emphasized the historical and ecological significance of London’s trees, some of which have lived for centuries and witnessed pivotal events in the city’s history. Wood stressed the irreplaceable nature of these trees and the biodiversity they sustain, underscoring the importance of preserving them amidst the challenges posed by climate change.