The International Invasive Species & Climate Change Conference (IISCCC), held online on December 9-10, 2025, brought together researchers, land managers and policymakers to bridge the gap between science and action. The event focused on the growing intersection between invasive species and climate change. As the planet warms, shifting temperature and precipitation patterns, altered disturbance regimes, and more frequent extreme events are creating new opportunities for invasive species to spread and establish in vulnerable ecosystems. Deputy Director of the Environmental Data Science Innovation & Impact Lab (ESIIL), Chelsea Nagy, shares: “The dual threats of invasive species and climate change are two pressing environmental challenges that managers are facing. We had a great conference that brought together 1200 people from around the world, showing the interest in these areas and the work that the RISCCs (Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Networks) do. I think it shows the importance of building networks to share information and lessons learned.”

Across sessions and panels, experts highlighted how the combined pressures of invasion and climate stress can disrupt ecological balance, threaten biodiversity, and burden communities that rely on healthy ecosystems. Presentations explored a range of topics, from how climate extremes such as storms and floods can accelerate the movement of invasive species, to how restoration strategies can build resilience in ecosystems already under strain. Several talks emphasized adaptive management approaches, showing how flexible, data-driven responses can help maintain ecosystem function as conditions evolve. Ultimately, IISCCC 2025 underscored the importance of collaboration across regions, disciplines, and generations to address the twin threats of invasive species and climate change.