Washington, D.C.—The following statement was released by Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA, executive vice president and CEO of the American Society of Landscape Architects, in the wake of the report released October 8 by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change:
“Already, the dire effects of climate change are visible in every corner of the globe. But the startling new report of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change makes clear that if significant actions aren’t taken immediately, the world could see a rise in atmospheric temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2040, triggering catastrophic effects worldwide. Landscape architects work at the intersection of the built and natural environments and have embraced their responsibility to design and plan healthy, climate-smart and resilient communities. The ominous U.N. report further reinforces the need for all those responsible for shaping human environments to urgently redouble their efforts to both mitigate climate effects and to ensure the resilience of communities already being threatened by the consequences of inaction.”
A report issued in 2018 by the American Society of Landscape Architects, entitled Smart Policies for a Changing Climate, spells out design and planning solutions, as well as public policies, that can help engender resilient and climate-smart communities. A copy may be downloaded here. Additional information about landscape architecture’s role in combating climate change and supporting resilience and sustainability are also available via ASLA’s extensive online resources.
About the American Society of Landscape Architects
Founded in 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is the professional association for landscape architects in the United States, representing more than 15,000 members. The Society’s mission is to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education and fellowship. Sustainability has been part of ASLA’s mission since its founding and is an overarching value that informs all of the Society’s programs and operations. ASLA has been a leader in demonstrating the benefits of green infrastructure and resilient development practices through the creation of its own green roof, co-development of the SITES® Rating System, and the creation of publicly accessible sustainable design resources.
