In the Guapimirim environmental protection area in Rio de Janeiro, thousands of mangroves have been planted by the non-profit organization Instituto Mar Urbano over the last four years. These mangroves, standing as tall as 13 feet, serve as an example of how cities can utilize natural means to improve climate resilience. The protection provided by these ecosystems has become increasingly vital as floods become more frequent worldwide. Recently, Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul experienced a devastating flood that caused havoc and loss of life, with waters still at abnormal levels.
Mangroves offer several essential benefits, including slowing sea water’s advance into riverbeds during storm surges, stabilizing soil to prevent erosion, and acting as a carbon sink. The reforestation efforts in Rio’s bay have also led to improved water cleanliness, attracting marine species like crabs back to the area and providing additional income for local crab pickers involved in the tree planting initiative. Ricardo Gomes, a director at the Instituto Mar Urbano, emphasizes the importance of planting trees in the fight against climate change, even in the face of environmental destruction.
While a lack of mangroves wasn’t the direct cause of flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, the disaster highlighted the need for proactive measures to combat rising sea levels and mitigate future events. According to a coastal risk map created by Climate Central, areas west and north of Porto Alegre are expected to be underwater by 2100, while parts of Rio are projected to be submerged by 2050. Natural vegetation, such as that found in the Guapimirim area, acts as a sponge that can absorb and reduce floodwaters, protecting millions of residents in surrounding cities.
Environmentalists point to deforestation in Rio Grande do Sul as a contributing factor to the severity of the recent flooding disaster. A study by MapBiomas revealed that the state lost 22% of its native vegetation between 1985 and 2022, equivalent to an area larger than the U.S. state of Maryland. In response to the crisis, federal, state, and local authorities are now considering a large-scale reforestation effort to restore the region’s natural vegetation and increase resilience to climate change impacts. The specific details and scope of these initiatives are still being developed as authorities assess the best way forward.
Since the year 2000, flood-related disasters have increased by 134% globally compared to the previous two decades, underscoring the urgent need for action to address climate change and its associated risks. Mauricio Barbosa Muniz, of Brazil’s federal agency Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, stresses the importance of restoring natural vegetation in urban areas to create resilient human settlements that can withstand the effects of climate change. As cities like Rio Grande do Sul grapple with the aftermath of devastating floods, there is a growing recognition of the role that nature-based solutions, such as reforestation efforts and mangrove restoration, can play in enhancing climate resilience and protecting vulnerable communities.