Landscape for 2030 highlights the central role that landscape practice can play in tackling climate change, with eleven case studies showcasing on-the-ground interventions that landscape professionals have already delivered
The Landscape Institute (LI) has published Landscape for 2030, an evolution of our 2008 climate change position statement that establishes landscape as a leader in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.
Landscape for 2030 highlights the central role that the landscape sector can play in delivering climate change action, with eleven case studies showcasing the work that members of our profession are doing at all scales. These projects will both demonstrate to stakeholders the multiple benefits that landscape can deliver, and help inspire best practice throughout the profession.
Landscape professionals can offer an alternative way not only of tackling specific climatic challenges head on, but of realising multiple secondary benefits at the same time.
Landscape for 2030
The LI published our Climate and Biodiversity Action Plan in May 2020, outlining how we will ‘use all means within [our scope] to respond to the biodiversity and climate emergencies’. Encouraging best practice among and elevating the voice of landscape are two key pillars within the plan. One specific, targeted action to these ends was updating our 2008 climate change position statement.
Formally launched on Monday 22 March on day one of the LI’s Greener Recovery CPD Festival, Landscape for 2030 builds on and evolves this previous work. The case studies in this paper demonstrate the measures needed to create climate-resilient places and take low-carbon approaches at all scales, from public squares to eco-parks. Our aim is to show stakeholders and governments at all levels the critical, central role that the landscape profession has to play in the delivery of climate change policy.
In addition to the new case studies, the document explains ‘how landscape can make a difference‘, outlining to stakeholders how specific interventions deliver primary and multiple secondary benefits. The paper also includes a response to the UK Climate Change Committee’s most recent Climate Change Risk Assessment.
‘A call to arms’
Announcing the publication of the report, Jane Findlay explained: ‘This document explores a vast array of design interventions, solutions, and best practice across all scales, showcasing how landscape can make a real difference.
‘But the paper doesn’t aim to put these case studies on a pedestal. We’re aiming to highlight examples of best practice, provoking discussion and real action across our profession. It is a call to arms – a call for a step change in practice now.’
A year into #lockdown2021 life has settled into #HomeOffice and broadcasting from my attic. Today I’m hosting the @talklandscape #GreenerRecoveryFestival and launching #ClimateChange position statement update. Hearing consultants case studies pic.twitter.com/LlV1udNkSR
— Jane Findlay (@JaneEFindlay) March 22, 2021
To get involved and for more information, please contact policy@landscapeinstitute.org.
The case studies
- Eddington Sustainable Community
- Patina of Time
- Fairbrook Grove
- Communicating Landscape: Change from adaptation and mitigation in a changing climate
- Lingang Bird Airport Sanctuary
- Exploring Climate Change Risks for Coastal Designated Heritage Assets
- Republic East India Dock: New Water Gardens
- Kokkedal Blue Green Garden City Adaptation Plan
- Thamesmead
- Cator Park, Kidbrooke