Growing Through the Climate Crisis
- ourppls art
- 41 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The climate is changing. So is the way we grow.
Heatwaves across the UK are becoming more frequent and more intense. For growers, this can result in drier soils and increased water stresses. Climate change impacts our growing seasons, but this goes beyond just our gardens. We see changes to who has access to fresh food as well as healthy green spaces. As communities adapt, we must ask:
Who is most affected and who is carrying the greatest burden?
Climate change isn't experienced equally.
Although African countries account for less than 4% of global carbon emissions, they experience some of the most severe impacts of climate change: prolonged droughts, extreme heat and food insecurity. Many Black and Brown communities around the world contribute the least to the climate crisis while facing its greatest consequences.
Climate justice means recognising this inequality and ensuring those most affected are part of the solutions.
Healthy soil. Healthier communities
Healthy soil stores water and helps crops withstand hotter, drier conditions. Growing practices like composting, mulching and companion planting can help improve soil health whilst increasing resilience during heatwaves.
We have previously looked at techniques we can learn from Indigenous farming traditions. As these have passed through multiple generations, we are reminded that sustainable growing isn't a new idea and that the best innovations come from ancestral knowledge.
Growing food is community care
Community gardens are more than places to grow vegetables. As extreme weather becomes more common, we see local growing spaces becoming more important for building climate resilience.
Climate change is not only an environmental issue. At Wolves Lane Centre, we believe growing food can help build communities adapt as we strengthen connections to ourselves and nature.
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