The Landscape Institute (LI) has published Landscape for 2030, an evolution of the 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.
The LI published Climate and Biodiversity Action Plan in May 2020, outlining how it will 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 the 2008 climate change position statement.
Formally launched on Monday 22 March, 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. The 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.
Announcing the publication of the report, the LI’s president 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.”
