The fragile relationship between plants and climate change is the theme for a new free virtual course being hosted by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). Plants and Climate Change, which launches today (Wednesday) during Plant Health Week, explores the impact that climatic change has on the life cycle of plants and ways in which we can help tackle climate change.

As a world-leading botanic garden responding to the climate emergency and the associated alarming loss of biodiversity, the need for RBGE’s pioneering work has never been greater, be it through cutting-edge science, inspiring people with the beauty and value of natural capital, or through impactful education such as the new online course.

Tutor Heather Forbes explained: “The main aim of Plants and Climate Change is to raise awareness about the climate emergency, with a focus on its relationship with plant life. The course, which will take around five hours to complete, explores four main topics – climate and climate change, how plants are impacted by these, how plants have an influence on climate and how we can all play a part in helping to limit climate change.’’

As Scotland’s plant biodiversity institute, RBGE promotes a biodiversity-rich environment crucial to carbon sequestration and ecosystem and human resilience.

International Plant Health week from 21-27 September aims to raise awareness around plant health and encourage people to get out and about and enjoy green spaces which during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown have become a lifeline to many. Emphasis is also on the huge range of benefits plants provide to people, wildlife and the economy.

ENDS

For further information or images contact Sandra Donnelly on 07312128937 or Shauna Hay on 07824529028

Editor’s notes -

Healthy, biodiverse ecosystems are essential to regulate the Earth’s climate and help prevent catastrophic climate change, while in urban settings, biodiversity provides physical and social resilience to climate change.

RBGE delivers vital ‘nature-based solutions’ to the climate emergency, based around the principles of monitoring, minimising, and mitigating the impacts of global climate change.

The climate emergency is now being felt across the world. According to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, human activities are estimated to have already caused approximately 1°C of global warming, and this is likely to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052.

As a major centre of public engagement RBGE leads the way in supporting businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon emissions.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a leading international research organisation delivering knowledge, education and plant conservation action around the world. In Scotland its four Gardens at Edinburgh, Benmore, Logan and Dawyck attract around a million visitors each year. It operates as a Non Departmental Public Body established under the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985, principally funded by the Scottish Government. It is also a registered charity, managed by a Board of Trustees appointed by Ministers. Its mission is “To explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for a better future”.