“A Great Responsibility”: Biodiversity Crisis in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

By the late 1980s, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, had shifted its focus to biodiversity, becoming a global leader in conservation advocacy. This study traces how biodiversity emerged as a central concept within Kew's research, governance, and public outreach, highlighting its integration into institutional strategy. The research employs qualitative methods to analyze existing studies on environmental concepts, examining how Kew communicated the biodiversity crisis through one of the world's most influential botanic gardens. The findings underscore the significance of institutions like Kew in shaping environmental narratives and driving conservation efforts during a pivotal period.

Akerman, I. (2024). “A Great Responsibility”: Biodiversity Crisis in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Environmental History, 29(3), 447–473. https://doi.org/10.1086/730559