The challenge of biodiversity adaptation under climate change

The risk of major biodiversity loss given continued human-driven climate change is real. Species and their genetic flexibility are the foundation of ecosystems that provide many key services to humans ranging from cleaning water and air, to providing renewable natural resources, to making up the composition of valued parks and preserves and much more. A key question for policymakers, conservation managers and humankind more generally is whether nature itself, or nature assisted by humans, can adapt to climate change. Adaptation tools are used for dealing with effects of climate change and other human stressors that are threatening biodiversity. Managing and saving the Earth's biota in the face of rapid large climate change might turn out to be the largest challenge ever faced by humans. The growing multitudes of biodiversity adaptation efforts around the globe should all include the provision for error, as well as the flexibility to face unexpected challenges.