In the okefenokee, it is universally accepted, that from death comes the basis for new life. As the vegetation (as well as animal and mineral for that matter) fall to the basin of the swamp, the gasses that are released from the decay carry with them to the surface an astonishingly fertile soil, which for some reason (surely scientifically, if not ceremoniously explained) stays there awaiting the seeds of grass, moss and other grander plants to fall. From there roots connect and a sort of land forms. The basis may be precarious, but it plays host to a wide variety of life. I think, perhaps, this suffering we are experiencing may be the decay that will give us that beautifully precarious basis of life support we need.
Unfortunately it will take the time that it takes to establish this ferre terra.