Valentine’s Day may be here, but the traditional lover’s gift of a rose may be under threat, according to a new report from Christian Aid, which shows how climate change is impacting rose growing in Britain and around the world.
The report reveals that nearly 60% (59%) of all exported roses come from five countries in the global south, which face growing dangers from extreme weather. Three countries in East Africa—Kenya (19.1%), Ethiopia (5.1%), and Uganda (1%)—and two in South America—Ecuador (21.2%) and Colombia (12.4%)—are the primary sources of exported roses.
East Africa already faces erratic temperatures and extended droughts, and these extreme conditions are expected to become more severe and frequent due to climate change. This could make rose growing highly challenging in these regions, as roses require plenty of water. The report cites a study showing that droughts in the area between 2020 and 2022 were more than 100 times more likely and severe due to climate change.
Similar climatic dangers threaten the rose-growing regions of South America. In Ecuador and Colombia, roses are typically grown in high-altitude Paramo ecosystems, which have cooler temperatures and good rainfall. However, as the climate changes, temperature increases are expected to be highest in the Andean regions, including the Paramo, and the number of days with extreme temperatures (above 35ºC) is projected to rise significantly.
Glacier retreat is also a major issue in the tropical Andes, with at least 30% of their area lost between 1990 and 2020. This poses a risk of water scarcity, which is a major threat to water-intensive industries like rose growing.
The report also highlights that the English Rose is under threat. The UK, known for its love of roses, is the fourth-largest importer of roses in the world. However, climate change also poses a threat to roses grown at home. On average, rose plants in the UK start to flower about a month earlier than they would have in the mid-1980s, due to increased average temperatures from January to April.
Increased rainfall is also a problem in the UK, as warmer, wetter springs provide ideal conditions for fungal diseases such as rose black spots and powdery mildew. Many popular rose varieties have disappeared due to black spot disease. David Austin’s award-winning Shropshire Lad is already being withdrawn from sale, as it lacks resilience to pests and diseases that are evolving with the changing climate conditions.
The report warns that without government action to cut emissions and provide financial support to rose growers and others adapting to the climate crisis, millions of livelihoods will be at risk. Horticulturists, florists, and climate experts have expressed concerns about the findings in the report.
Charles Shi, Botanical Horticulturist at Kew Gardens, emphasized the significant impacts of climate change on rose cultivation worldwide. He highlighted the importance of research projects, such as examining pollinator types associated with wild roses, in preserving suitable regions for rose cultivation and protecting biodiversity and pollinators.
Osai Ojigho, Director of Policy and Public Campaigns at Christian Aid, called for urgent government action to invest in renewables and provide climate finance to help farmers adapt to the climate crisis. He stressed the need to protect the livelihoods of rose growers in vulnerable regions.
Patrick Mbugua, General Manager of Wildfire Flowers in Kenya, expressed concerns about climate change’s impact on rising growth in Kenya. He highlighted increased disease pressure and the potential threat to water sources for irrigation.
Mohamed Adow, Director of Power Shift Africa, emphasized the importance of reducing carbon emissions to protect industries like rose cultivation from the impacts of climate change. He called for investments in renewables as the only way to ensure a safe and secure climate for everyone.
A spokesperson from David Austin Roses outlined their commitment to developing roses with resistance to pests and diseases favored by shifting climate conditions. They also highlighted their efforts to operate sustainably, including implementing integrated pest management and water capture recycling systems.
Michael Gidney, CEO of the Fairtrade Foundation, called for fairer and more sustainable flower supply chains, emphasizing the need to address the challenges facing flower workers in the context of the climate crisis.
Sibbe Krol, Director of Sustainability at Florists Bloom & Wild Group, highlighted the impact of climate change on flower growing and emphasized the importance of technology and innovation in achieving net zero carbon emissions in the flower industry. He outlined their efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of their flowers, including piloting sea freight and implementing sustainable growing practices in Kenya.
The report underscores the urgent need for action to address the impacts of climate change on growing worldwide, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices, innovation, and government support in ensuring the future of this beloved tradition.
