What are Botanical Gardens
Botanical gardens are beautiful, plant-filled conservatories often associated with their exquisite and one-of-a-kind greenery. They are technically used for illustrating the relationship between a collection of plants; however, it is often that botanical gardens are seen as simple gardens for viewing exotic plant life. Though botanical gardens are thought to be just a tourist attraction, they have been connected to scientific studies. Studying these gardens allow scientists to see a smaller scale of how human activity harms the environment and affects climate change. With their unique resources, diverse plant life, and much more, botanical gardens are becoming essential for climate research.
Botanical gardens are gardens used for collecting, cultivating, and preserving a wide range of plants. Their specific yet diverse vegetation and precise conditions allow a well-maintained area for important scientific research, especially climate research, to take place. One of the methods possible for research in botanical gardens involves the close observation of dozens of species. Studying the evolutionary history and species’ advancements allow scientists to understand why the response to climate change is different for various types of plants. Botanical gardens are an ideal location for this kind of study, as they have an extensive collection of plants to test theories and observe.
Also, thanks to botanical gardens’ ability in attracting public attention to their beautiful gardens, they can promote education on climate change topics with exhibitions and tours around the gardens with mention the effects of climate change. The Tropism Art & Science Collective have created an exhibition at their botanical garden to press on the issue of climate change. These initiatives also aid in climate research and awareness of it.
From the changes in temperature and flowering schedules to a presentation on climate awareness, botanical gardens can provide a perfect location for all research/education related to climate change. Unfortunately, botanical gardens are still not used as much as they could be for research purposes. Even gardens continuing research are often focused on woody plants instead of herbs and plants in tropical regions. With great potential within the glass walls of botanical gardens, the hope that climate research will advance quickly and efficiently is not impossible to reach.
Works Cited
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19338634/
https://www.bgci.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RootsMedRes.pdf
