Over 50% of Mangroves at Risk: Urgent Action Needed to Prevent Collapse and Carbon Emissions
May 23, 2024A global assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) highlights over 50% of mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse.
Major threats include deforestation, development, pollution, and climate change, with dam construction also contributing.
The potential collapse of mangroves by 2050 could release 1.8 billion tons of stored carbon, worth at least USD 13 billion in carbon markets.
Climate change and rising sea levels are projected to submerge 25% of global mangrove areas in the next 50 years, affecting regions like the Northwest Atlantic and South China Sea.
Mangroves are crucial for mitigating climate change effects and providing services such as coastal disaster risk reduction.
Urgent and coordinated conservation efforts are necessary to protect mangrove habitats and maintain their ecosystem integrity.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources
The Independent • May 21, 2024
Half the world’s mangroves ‘at risk of collapse’ as climate change threat growsPhys.org • May 22, 2024
Half of mangrove ecosystems at risk: conservationistsFRANCE 24 • May 22, 2024
Half of mangrove ecosystems at risk: conservationistsBusiness Standard • May 22, 2024
Over 50% of world's mangroves at risk due to climate change: IUCN