Climate change is moving much faster than evolution. This is putting vital ecosystems, like California’s redwoods and coastal seagrass meadows, at risk. These areas trap carbon and support many forms of life. But with rising temperatures, wildfires, and coastal development, they are under extreme stress. A 2019 report from a UN-affiliated body suggests that about 1 million species could face extinction due to human actions like habitat destruction and pollution.
To combat these challenges, scientists are turning to conservation genomics. This is a method where researchers sequence the complete DNA of organisms to find individuals that can better withstand harsh conditions. One area where this is already in use is coral reefs. Rising sea temperatures have caused mass bleaching, leading to severe damage. By sequencing the DNA of both corals and their algae, scientists are working to breed more resilient coral species for better recovery.
When it comes to seagrass, a research team in Southern California is applying the same approach to eelgrass. This plant is crucial for marine ecosystems, providing habitats for fish and locking away greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. However, issues such as warming waters and pollution have made traditional restoration methods difficult. In fact, about half of the restoration attempts fail.
“Conservation genomics is vital because conditions are changing rapidly,” says Todd Michael, a research professor at the Salk Institute. He and his team found a hybrid eelgrass that thrived where its parent species failed. By studying its genome, they uncovered genes that help it adapt to low light, potentially aiding its survival in murky water. While promising, large-scale application of these findings is still in the experimental phase.
The same genomic techniques are being explored for California’s redwoods, the tallest trees on Earth. These trees can absorb more carbon per acre than any other forest. Historically, redwoods thrived with low-intensity fires, but today they face fierce wildfires and droughts. Notably, about 95% of old-growth redwoods have been cut down, limiting genetic diversity.
Researchers have sequenced the redwood genome, but their goal isn’t just to restore what was lost—it’s to prepare these forests for a changing climate. David Neale, a professor at UC Davis, points out that trees may now need different genetic traits to thrive in new conditions. Although initial studies have linked certain genes to drought tolerance, more research is needed, and funding remains a challenge.
However, it’s important to note that conservation genomics alone isn’t a fix for climate change. Karen Holl, a professor at UC Santa Cruz, emphasizes that reducing greenhouse gas emissions must be the priority. While genomic tools may assist specific long-lived species, they cannot replace the intricate relationships that exist within ecosystems. “We can’t engineer our way out of climate change,” she says.
The environmental landscape is at a critical juncture. For example, a recent survey found that 78% of Americans are concerned about climate change and its impact on ecosystems, highlighting the urgency of finding solutions. As scientists delve deeper into conservation genomics, they do hope to provide tools for resilience, but comprehensive action against climate change must remain the cornerstone of environmental strategy.
