Towards transformative climate actions in landscape architecture

Abstract Context Transformative actions are required in the built environment if we are to avoid breaching planetary boundaries. To do so, climate actions within cities need to be coordinated across both adaptation and mitigation, and across knowledge boundaries. Landscape architects are well-positioned to drive climate actions through strong ecological underpinnings and creative design thinking. However, their capacity to support transformative climate actions is relatively unknown. Objectives The aim of this study is to identify actions that current landscape architects are taking to mitigate climate change, and to adapt to climate impacts. It examines whether these actions are in line with what’s required for transformative climate actions. Methods Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 24 landscape practitioners across Australia, covering different states, practice types and sizes. An analytical framework based on theories of transformative change and boundary work was adopted to scrutinise actions taken in current practice against three categories: Practical, political and personal . Results The findings show that in Australia, while actions taken in current practice are increasingly informed by climate change risks and focused on adaptation, transformative actions for mitigating climate change are not sufficiently considered. Results show that complementary to technical design skills for climate actions, skills such as negotiation, coordination and entrepreneurship are necessary to help practitioners act as boundary spanners and change makers across multiple dimensions of transformation, especially the political and social spheres. Conclusions In transitioning to a positive climate future, landscape architects can connect and span different knowledge areas, but their agency and impact should expand beyond individual projects. This requires practitioners to question the status quo , negotiate for positive climate outcomes, and in coordination with allied built environment professionals aim for catalyzing social-cultural and political change through advocacy and activism.