Kew Gardens unveils Carbon Garden to combat climate change

On July 25, 2025, the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) Kew in London, UK, will launch the Carbon Garden, a unique horticultural installation designed to showcase the importance of plants, trees, fungi, and soils in addressing climate change. This innovative garden aims to educate the public about how these natural elements can store carbon and how gardens need to adapt to survive in the face of rising global temperatures and extreme weather conditions. The opening of the garden comes at a critical time, as scientists warn that without rapid action, the global temperature limit set by the Paris Agreement may be breached within a few years. The Carbon Garden features a striking pavilion created by designer Jonathan Mizzi, symbolizing the symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi, built from low-carbon materials. It is equipped with a roof designed to manage rainfall effectively, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable water management practices as climate change intensifies. The pavilion will play a crucial role in raising awareness and inspiring community action on climate adaptability and the importance of environmental conservation. Another notable element of the garden involves a color-coded plant arrangement that represents global temperature changes since the Industrial Revolution, reflecting the potential future climate conditions expected in the UK. According to projections, by the year 2050, London’s climate may resemble that of Barcelona, Spain, guiding the selection of tree species intended to flourish well into the 2090s. Through the Carbon Garden, Kew aims to inspire similar initiatives across the globe and encourage towns facing severe weather events to seek proactive solutions to mitigate climate-related challenges. Overall, Kew Gardens is committed to climate action and plans to renovate iconic heritage buildings while promoting environmental awareness. The Carbon Garden, alongside the restoration projects, exemplifies the institution's dedication to demonstrating how gardens can adapt in a changing climate, fostering public involvement in sustainable practices and raising awareness of the ongoing climate crisis.