“Protecting Our Living Walls: The Urgency of Saving Mangroves and Coral Reefs from Climate Change”
Hundreds of thousands of “climate refugees” were forced to flee their homes in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil following devastating floods at the end of April. While the region faced the aftermath of the floods, conservationists in Rio de Janeiro have been working diligently for the past four years to plant tens of thousands of mangrove trees to protect against similar disasters.
Research has shown that mangrove forests and coral reefs play a crucial role in protecting coastal communities during severe storms by stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, and blocking seawater during storm surges. However, a new report has found that more than half of mangrove ecosystems worldwide are at risk of collapse by 2050 due to human development and climate change. Coral reefs are also facing challenges, with ongoing bleaching events affecting their ability to buffer coastlines.
Mangrove forests act as natural barriers, providing essential services such as coastal disaster risk reduction, carbon storage, and support for fisheries. A recent study found that mangroves prevent over $65 billion in property damages globally each year. Despite their resilience to saltwater, mangroves are threatened by deforestation, pollution, and climate impacts like rising sea levels and hurricanes.
The loss of more than half of the world’s mangroves could result in the loss of $36 billion worth of coastal flood protection and 17 million days of fishing effort per year. Coral reefs are also facing challenges, with hurricanes and prolonged ocean heat waves causing damage to reefs worldwide.
In response to the threats facing these ecosystems, conservationists, governments, and insurance companies are stepping up efforts for restoration and protection. Initiatives such as insurance policies for coral reefs and mangrove forests are being implemented to provide compensation for damages and fund restoration efforts. Governments in some areas are also integrating mangrove and coral reef restoration into their flood mitigation plans.
Scientists emphasize the importance of protecting these natural barriers as climate impacts continue to unfold. With ongoing efforts to restore and protect mangrove forests and coral reefs, there is hope for the resilience of these ecosystems in the face of climate change.