Octavio Aburto
Explainer
Mangroves
The Unsung Climate Heroes
Mangroves live in the tropical and subtropical areas where the land and ocean meet.
Cristina Mittermeier
These under-appreciated aquatic trees and shrubs are truly remarkable, thriving in soil that is muddy, oxygen-poor, and frequently flooded by saltwater.
Mangrove roots grow in fantastical shapes. Some have arched roots that prop up the tree as if it were standing on stilts, while others grow pencil-like roots that stick up out of the ground like snorkels.
Cristina Mittermeier
Cristina Mittermeier
Mangroves are vital for marine life to thrive, providing nurseries for countless species, such as fish, sharks, and crabs.
They act as the “skin” of our coasts by buffering coastal communities against flooding, winds, and storms.
Octavio Aburto
Another of their hidden powers is they are extraordinarily efficient at soaking up carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Mangroves can store up to ten times more carbon than rainforests, which is why they are crucial allies in our efforts to tackle the climate crisis.