Some trees seem to defy the rules of nature, and mangroves are among the most fascinating. Found where ocean meets land, these coastal forests weave a tangled world of roots and branches, thriving in conditions that would overwhelm most plants. With seawater swirling around their trunks and tides shifting beneath their roots, they quietly hold the shoreline together, nurturing life in the spaces between land and sea.
These trees live on the edge—quite literally—balancing between saltwater and freshwater, land and ocean. Their roots, some exposed and arching above water like stilts, create natural nurseries for a wide variety of marine creatures. Fish weave through the submerged tangles, finding refuge from predators, while fiddler crabs scamper across the mud, claw raised as if in conversation. Even small sharks glide through these brackish waters, drawn by the safety and resources hidden within the forest’s maze.
Mangroves not only create homes for wildlife—they actively shape their environment. Their roots trap sediment, slowly building up the shoreline, and their branches provide shelter from the harsh coastal sun. Even during low tide, when water recedes, the soil beneath these forests remains damp, thanks to their intricate root systems. Mangrove trees have evolved ingenious ways to thrive: some species excrete excess salt through tiny pores in their leaves, leaving a delicate shimmer of crystals behind, while others store salt in bark they later shed—like throwing off a coat after a long, briny day.
But the work of these coastal forests extends beyond what we can see. Hidden beneath the surface, in thick, dark mud, lies an archive of organic material—ancient leaves, roots, and branches slowly decaying, forming one of the most carbon-rich environments on Earth. This mud, undisturbed for centuries, acts like a natural vault, capturing carbon from the atmosphere and holding it there for generations.
These forests aren’t static—they rise and fall with the tides, adapting to whatever the elements throw their way. During high tide, they almost seem to disappear into the ocean, their trunks submerged and only their upper branches visible. When the tide pulls back, they reveal their hidden complexity—an intricate world thriving between sea and sky, where each tide brings new stories, and each day reshapes the landscape. This is a forest in constant motion, one that shows us that resilience doesn’t always mean standing tall. Sometimes, it means being grounded, flexible, and ready to embrace the ebb and flow of life itself.
AROUND THE WORLD 🌏
by Kenny
A NEW APPROACH TO CLIMATE CHANGE?
New York City's recent Climate Week saw the usual push for fossil fuel reduction but a novel approach to the climate crisis was introduced. During Climate Week, a segment called Psychedelic Climate Week emerged, and explored the potential of psychedelics to inspire climate-friendly behaviors.
Critics however believe that systemic policy changes should be prioritized over individual practices. Feinberg on the other hand believes that a combination of policy and individual action is needed.
Marissa Feinberg, the founder of Psychedelics for Climate Action, noted that psychedelic drug use can relieve stress and promote mindfulness. It is believed that having such a psychedelic experience can spark “consciousness shifts”, which leads to more climate-friendly actions and decisions. However, is this thinking too outside of the box? What do you think?
STANDING FIRM
The EU enacted the ground-breaking Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to combat deforestation linked to large-scale agriculture, particularly concerning commodities like beef, soy, palm oil, and leather. This EUDR, which was passed in May 2023, takes effect at the end of this year, and mandates that these products must be legally sourced and not derived from deforested land from 2020. Despite the law already being passed, there is a growing cohort of people pushing for the delay or the weakening of its conditions.
There are critics who argue that deforestation is declining, but evidence suggests to the contrary. For instance, there is evidence of increasing deforestation rates in countries like Indonesia and Bolivia driven by agricultural expansion. Why then are they pushing for the delay of this bill? This drive to delay the law seems to be from self-interested parties who benefit from unsustainable practices. The EU needs to stand firm in its decision to enact this law.
WHAT WE'RE READING
There you have it, dear friends!
Till next time!
Joanna Arai
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