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Context:

• Over 50% of the world's mangroves are at risk of collapse due to human activities and climate change.

Major drivers mangrove decline:

• Human Activities: Deforestation, development, pollution, and dam construction are major threats.
• Climate Change: Increased storm frequency and sea-level rise increase the risks.

Impacts of mangroves destruction:

• Geographical Impact: Mangroves in South India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and the North West Atlantic are critically endangered.
• Economic Impact: Loss of mangroves could cost $13 billion in carbon market value. If current trends continue, 7,000 km² of mangroves will be lost, and 23,672 km² will be submerged by 2050.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Mangroves support diverse species, providing critical habitat and breeding grounds.
• Increased Carbon Emissions: Mangroves store large amounts of carbon; their destruction releases this carbon, contributing to climate change.
• Coastal Erosion and Flooding: Mangroves protect coastlines from erosion and reduce the impact of storm surges and floods.
• Impact on Fisheries: Mangroves support fish populations, essential for local fisheries and livelihoods.
• Economic Losses: The ecosystem services provided by mangroves, such as tourism and fisheries, are economically valuable.

Importance of mangroves:

• Mangroves store 11 billion tonnes of carbon, protect 15.4 million people, and support 126 million fishing days annually.

Conclusion:

• There is urgent need for protection and restoration to mitigate climate change impacts and support biodiversity.

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/over-half-of-world-s-mangroves-face-collapse-due-to-human-actions-and-climate-change-96311

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