The ecological importance of microclimate variation is increasingly recognized. This Perspective discusses the extent to which favourable microclimates (in other words, areas with temperature and precipitation within the niche of a species) can facilitate adaptation, plasticity, colonization of new patches and, ultimately, persistence under global change.

This Perspective argues for the use of genome engineering for restoring species genetic diversity and increase species resilience to environmental change. Genome engineering could be combined with traditional conservation approaches for more effective conservation initiatives.

The Greater Tropics are under substantial ecological pressure driven by anthropogenic change, including the introduction of alien plants. This Review explores the pattern of alien plant invasions and their effects on ecosystems across the Greater Tropics, as well as potential avenues for ecosystem recovery and resilience.

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) have become more intense and widespread globally, affecting species, ecosystems and people. After summarizing how and why MHWs are changing, this Review explores these impacts and their underlying mechanisms, highlights knowledge gaps and considers opportunities to mitigate the effects of MHWs.