BY Deborah Bodunde
Climate change is the long-term shift in temperature and weather patterns caused by natural processes and human activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels.
One of the most significant drivers of climate change is carbon emissions – the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This traps heat from the sun, causing the earth’s temperature to rise; this is known as the greenhouse effect. The more carbon dioxide is released, the more the earth’s temperature rises, leading to more severe climate change.
The impacts of climate change can be devastating and one of the most visible effects is the increase in extreme weather events like droughts, heatwaves, and floods. These events can have serious consequences for communities around the world, causing damage to homes and infrastructure, disrupting food supplies, and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
Mangroves are one of the natural resources that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their roots and soil. Mangroves are some of the most efficient carbon sinks on the planet, storing up to four times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests. They are also able to protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges, which can be intensified by climate change. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), emissions resulting from mangrove losses make up nearly one-fifth of global emissions from deforestation.
WHAT ARE MANGROVES?
Mangroves are a group of trees and shrubs that grow in tropical and subtropical coastal areas. They have unique adaptations to survive in saltwater, such as specialised roots that can filter out salt and leaves that excrete salt.
Mangroves are found in over 100 countries and have a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife and marine life, including birds, fish, and crustaceans. They also provide a habitat for endangered species such as sea turtles, manatees, and crocodiles. Although mangroves make up less than one percent of all tropical forests worldwide, they are highly valuable ecosystems, providing an array of essential goods and services which contribute significantly to the livelihoods, well-being and security of coastal communities.
The global average carbon stock of mangroves is around 1,000 tonnes of carbon per hectare, including soil carbon. If released back into the atmosphere, the resulting emissions would be the equivalent of travelling 26 million kilometres by car – 650 times worldwide.
The mangrove forests in Nigeria are some of the largest and most diverse in the world. They are mainly found in the Niger Delta region – making up the largest in Africa and the third largest in the world, stretching along the coast and covering about nine states.
The forests are known for their high biodiversity and they have significant economic importance for local communities. They are a source of food, medicine, and building materials. For example, the bark of the mangrove tree is used to make rope, while the wood is used to build houses and boats. The mangroves also support important fisheries, such as shrimp, crab, and oyster, which provide income and food for local communities.
IMPORTANCE OF MANGROVES IN MITIGATING CLIMATE CRISIS
Preserving mangroves has many advantages such as mitigating the impact of climate change, offering critical ecosystem protection, and providing socio-economic benefits.
Despite their importance, mangroves are threatened by deforestation and degradation. They are often cleared for aquaculture, agriculture, and urban development. Pollution from oil spills, sewage, and agricultural runoff can harm mangroves and the wildlife that depend on them. Finally, climate change is harmful to mangroves. Rising sea levels, more frequent and severe storms, and changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can destroy mangrove forests.
To safeguard these vital ecosystems, there is a need for a multifaceted approach that involves both local and global efforts. This can be achieved by raising awareness, implementing sustainable management practices, restoring degraded areas, enacting policies and regulations, as well as fostering international cooperation.
This website uses cookies.