Scientists Use DNA to Adapt Ecosystems to Climate Change

Conservation genomics helps identify resilient species to guide restoration efforts

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:51pm

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An abstract, highly structured painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conveying the complex scientific forces and fragile interconnectedness of natural systems under threat from climate change.As climate change outpaces the natural pace of evolution, scientists turn to genomic tools to help vital ecosystems like California's redwood forests and seagrass meadows adapt to new environmental realities.San Diego Today

As climate change outpaces evolution, scientists are using DNA sequencing to identify plant and animal species with traits that can better withstand extreme conditions like drought, heat waves, and wildfires. This emerging field of conservation genomics is being applied to restore critical ecosystems like coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and redwood forests that are under threat from the rapid pace of global warming.

Why it matters

Many of the planet's most vital ecosystems that store vast amounts of carbon and support complex webs of life are being pushed beyond their limits by the accelerating impacts of climate change. Conservation genomics provides a new tool to help these ecosystems adapt by identifying and selectively breeding or growing the most resilient species, but it has limitations and cannot replace the need for emissions reductions.

The details

Scientists are using DNA sequencing to pinpoint individuals of species like corals, eelgrass, and redwoods that have genetic traits making them more tolerant of climate extremes. They are then testing whether selectively breeding or growing these more resilient organisms can help restore damaged ecosystems. For example, researchers discovered a naturally occurring hybrid eelgrass in California that outperformed its parent species, identifying genes tied to its ability to photosynthesize more efficiently in murky waters. However, this work remains largely experimental, and experts caution that engineering resilient species alone cannot replace the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address the root cause of climate change.

  • In 2019, a UN-affiliated report warned that an estimated 1 million species face extinction, many within decades, largely due to human activities.
  • In 2020, a study by Save the Redwoods League and Humboldt State University found that redwood forests store more carbon per acre than any other ecosystem.

The players

Todd Michael

A research professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies who discovered a naturally occurring hybrid eelgrass that outperformed its parent species.

David Neale

A forest geneticist and distinguished professor emeritus at the University of California, Davis who has worked on sequencing the redwood genome.

Karen Holl

A distinguished professor of environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz who cautions that engineering resilient species alone cannot replace the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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What they’re saying

“Conservation genomics is becoming particularly important because right now, the climate is changing — a plant that was growing great in San Diego Bay, now San Diego Bay might be too hot for it.”

— Todd Michael, research professor, Salk Institute for Biological Studies

“Where one organism was adapted to a certain location at one moment in time, it may no longer be. It might require different genetic variation to adapt to the new environment.”

— David Neale, forest geneticist, University of California, Davis

“Can you genetically engineer a few species that would be more tolerant? Absolutely. But that's not an ecosystem. We're not going to engineer our way out of climate change.”

— Karen Holl, distinguished professor of environmental studies, University of California, Santa Cruz

What’s next

Researchers plan to continue partnering with ecologists to explore how the insights from conservation genomics can be applied to future ecosystem restoration efforts.

The takeaway

While conservation genomics provides a promising new tool to help certain species adapt to climate change, it has significant limitations and cannot replace the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the root cause of global warming. Restoring and protecting complex ecosystems will require a multi-pronged approach.