Restoring mangroves to protect coasts, reduce warming

Besides providing coastal protection, mangroves can help to reduce the amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Besides providing coastal protection, mangroves can help to reduce the amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. PHOTO: RIA TAN
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Mangrove forests are iconic habitats. Even people who do not spend much time in nature would instantly recognise their prop roots, which rise up from the mud in an undulating fashion and intertwine with those of their neighbour.

Yet, few know that it is this feature of the mangrove forest that is instrumental in helping to protect human infrastructure on land.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 21, 2020, with the headline Restoring mangroves to protect coasts, reduce warming. Subscribe