My Climate Change Garden

Just one day of tropical forest emissions from deforestation is equal to 12.5 million people

flying from London to New York.

This impressive fact was used in my favourite garden at the Hampton Court Flower Show – “The Carbon Connection.” designed by Fiona Stephenson.

Fiona created a stunning display of horticultural art with ecological meaning – an ancient 100 year old oak tree lying in state surrounded by flowers alluding to a ” carpet” .

This beautiful specimen had been home  to many birds,animals,insects and oxygen to the village of Bookham Common where it grew between 1889-1989.It  highlighted that trees absorb carbon and create the oxygen needed for human life. With the world-wide destruction of trees  having a negative effect on the planet’s atmosphere , we need to revere and sustain trees of the world so they can sustain us in the future.

I was fascinated by the symbolism of the garden which was inspired by the Prince’s Rainforest Project. Established in 2007 by HRH The Prince of Wales, the organisation is developing consensus as to how the rate of rainforest destruction might be slowed. Rainforests regulate rainfall, preserve biodiversity and, most importantly store vast amounts or carbon.Tropical de-forestation is a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions and without tackling this problem it may be impossible to avoid catastrophic climate change.

The Prince’s Rainforest Project’s campaign raises awareness of the connection between rainforest destruction and climate change .It believes that agreement on emergency action for rainforests is needed ahead of the climate change conference in Copenhagen in December. Sign up and show your support at www.rainforestsos.org