London trees face extreme risk from climate change

A study conducted by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, reveals that over 70% of London's trees are at risk of dying by the end of the century due to climate change. An analysis of more than one million public specimens found that 73% face severe threats from recurrent high temperatures.

Climate projections suggest that by 2090, 62% of these urban trees will be unable to adapt to predicted thermal conditions. Experts warn that by 2050, London's climate could resemble that of Barcelona. The impact is already visible in the city, where recent heatwaves and the driest July on record have caused withered leaves and broken branches.

The crisis has already caused direct losses, such as the death of 400 trees within Kew Gardens during the 2022 drought. The environmental shift threatens ancient woodlands, including Highgate Woods, Hampstead Heath, and Sydenham Hill Woods, which house native specimens that have existed for over a millennium.