Can Gardens Save the Planet? The Role of Landscape Architects in the Fight Against Climate Change

This article re-examines the role of landscape architecture in the context of the climate crisis, arguing for its transformation from a discipline of "green decoration" to a key practice of designing functioning ecosystems. It provides a taxonomy of climate-oriented solutions, including bioswales and sustainable urban drainage systems, phytoremediation, albedo management, xeriscaping, and Miyawaki urban forests. The study critically analyzes the limitations and risks of these approaches, such as high initial costs, invasiveness of species, regulatory barriers, and the risk of "green camouflage." A case study of the High Line park in New York illustrates the potential for synergistic ecological, economic, and social effects. The article emphasizes the necessity of interdisciplinary synthesis and the acquisition of new competencies by landscape architects.