Oceanographic
March 10, 2020
According to a new study, without mangroves, flood damages would increase by more than $65 billion annually. The natural coastal defenses mangrove forests provide globally reduce annual flooding significantly in critical hotspots.
Mangrove forests occur in more than 100 countries around the world, but many have been lost due to an increase in aquaculture, as well as coastal industry and development. The rising sea levels and intensifying impacts of hurricanes caused by climate change is increasing the risk of coastal flooding, and conservation and restoration of natural defenses such as mangroves offers cost-effective ways to mitigate and adapt to these changes. According to the authors, mangrove forests can be easily restored to make people and property safer.