Reading the alarming reports about the impacts of climate change, it’s tempting to sink into gloom. While it’s essential to recognize the seriousness of the situation, dwelling on doom often leaves us feeling powerless. That’s why we’re introducing bloom thinking: a positive note in times of crisis.
Heatwaves, extreme drought, raging wildfires, and floods:: The European State of the Climate Report 2024 By Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization
doesn’t exactly inspire optimism.
Europe is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Our continent is warming twice as fast as the global average. In 2024, the Mediterranean Sea reached record-high temperatures. And in the Arctic Ocean, too, records were broken as temperatures soared.
The year also brought devastating floods, including those in Valencia. More than 30% of Europe’s rivers burst their usual banks, with 12% reaching alarming levels. Storms and floods caused damages totaling 18 billion euros.
For those fond of doom thinking, this report is a goldmine. And we admit—we’re not immune ourselves. It’s important to face the harsh reality. But we also make a point of looking for the bright spots.
All the more encouraging, then, that the same report highlights how more and more cities are realizing the importance of preparing for extreme weather. In 2018, only 26% of cities were investing in climate resilience. By last year, that number had climbed to 51%—almost double.
Take Bratislava, Slovakia, which adopted an ambitious climate plan, built extra water reservoirs, and promoted green roofs. Paris planted trees and expanded its parks to cool the city and retain water. Milan, meanwhile, embraced more green infrastructure and improved climate adaptation by reopening its canals.
Still, there’s plenty of work left to do.
Bloom thinking is a philosophy rooted in the power of nature, a power that can have an especially big impact in densely populated, built-up areas. Bloom thinkers trust in nature’s ability to make everything grow:
Planting boosts biodiversity. By using soil rich in micro-organisms and creating a wide variety of greenery, you provide the best conditions for biodiversity to flourish.
Planting makes cities more resilient to climate change. Urban nature helps reduce heat stress and absorb rainwater, preventing flooding.
Planting improves mental and physical health. Green spaces in cities reduce stress, stimulate the release of feel-good hormones, and encourage people to move more. Cleaner air and greater exposure to nature also help strengthen the immune system.
Planting brings people together. Urban greenery fosters connection. By designing with the flow of people in mind, greening public spaces encourages community and togetherness.
(Read more below the image.)
Planting increases property value. With high-quality greenery, you can upgrade any building or neighborhood. In shopping districts, it draws people back. In office areas, it helps solve vacancy issues.
Planting needs little space. The more urban nature, the better. But even where space is limited, façades, planter strips, and climbing plants can make a big impact.
Planting makes people happy. With the magic of nature, any building or environment can become more beautiful. We make sure our projects look stunning 365 days a year—always offering something fresh and surprising. And that simply makes people happy.
Bloom thinkers of the world, unite! It’s time for a green revolution. Let’s make sure everyone recognizes the value of urban nature—so that in the next ten years, every city in Europe invests in climate-adaptive green.
