Scientists warn of game-changing temperature rises
It may now be nearly impossible to limit global warming to 1.5°C, scientists are warning, with game-changing consequences for everyone.
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, told the COP27 climate conference in Egypt the target was “on life support”. Scientist Professor Hannah Cloke agrees, adding: “In the UK, that means increased risks from weather extremes such as storms, flooding, and longer and more intense heatwaves and droughts”.
Last year, gardeners reported delphiniums flowering, butterflies still on the wing and grass continuing to grow well into autumn as late October temperatures hit 20°C in some parts of the UK. Meanwhile an RHS survey found hydrangeas, acers and fuchsias suffered most in 2022’s record-breaking heatwaves. The charity’s Principal Horticultural Advisor, Leigh Hunt, says more imaginative replanting may be needed in future years – swapping out rhododendrons for drought-tolerant grevilleas, for example. “As temperatures become more extreme, don’t just replace like for like”, he
