American Express : Partners With Earthwatch Europe To Back Low-Carbon Communities

American Express colleagues participate in volunteering activities to support nature-based solutions in Bromley London

American Express colleagues from the company's London offices participated in a science day at an Earthwatch Tiny Forest in Durham Hill, Bromley recently. The science day is the first of several UK colleague volunteering activities which form part of a new partnership between American Express and Earthwatch Europe.

In April, American Express announced a number of grants as part of its commitment to backing low-carbon communities by 2025. The grants will support nature-based solutions and sustainability efforts around the world, particularly in urban areas. A $145,000 (approx. £110,000) grant was awarded to Earthwatch to fund the planting of several hundred trees in the UK to help mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance biodiversity. The grant will also provide a Climate Change Master Class, led by scientists, that will be available to American Express colleagues globally later this year.

Throughout the year, up to 200 American Express colleagues will be volunteering at tree planting and science days that will benefit local communities in London and Sussex.

Over the course of the science day, more than 20 American Express colleagues collected valuable environmental data in four areas:

· Carbon Capture: monitoring tree species, height, diameter and mortality· Biodiversity: monitoring butterflies, pollinators and ground dwellers· Flood Management: monitoring soil moisture, compaction, texture and colour· Thermal Comfort: monitoring air temperature, humidity and wind speed

The Durham Hill Tiny Forest was planted on 28 February, 2022, and data is being regularly collected and monitored to assess how the age of the forest, species composition, forest design and geographic location affect these four areas.

Hannah Lewis, UK Country Manager at American Express said: "Beyond efforts to reduce our own carbon footprint, we are committed to supporting climate action through community giving and engage thousands of colleagues globally in sustainability. We're delighted to be playing a part in Earthwatch's programme to help create thriving and climate-resilient urban areas that help reconnect people with nature, enhance wellbeing and provide nature-rich habitat patches to support urban wildlife."

Louise Hartley, Senior Programme Manager at Earthwatch said: "On top of planting new trees to benefit urban communities, American Express will play a crucial role in expanding our data collection and enhancing our scientific research into how to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis. We're very excited about this new partnership and look forward to working together to support nature in the UK over the coming months."

ENDS

CONTACTS:

Jack Calway [e-mail]

Maunie Catcheside (on behalf of American Express); Brighton and Hove PR Limited;[e-mail] 07801 465618

For further information about Tiny Forests or Earthwatch, please contact Amy Crosweller, Director of Fundraising and Communications: [e-mail]

ABOUT EARTHWATCH EUROPE

Earthwatch is an environmental charity with science at its heart. We drive the change needed to live within our means and in balance with nature. We do this by:

• Connecting people with the natural world
• Monitoring the health of our natural resources
• Informing the actions that will have the greatest positive impact

For more information visit www.earthwatch.org.uk