Scientist use DNA in efforts to help species adapt to climate change

As climate change outpaces the ability of ecosystems to adapt, scientists are turning to conservation genomics to guide restoration.

By sequencing DNA, researchers can identify traits better suited to withstand warming, drought and disease.

In California, eelgrass and redwoods, which are major carbon sinks, genomic sequencing is helping pinpoint traits linked to resilience, though applications remain largely experimental.

Coral restoration, however, is already using these tools to breed and transplant more heat tolerant colonies.

Experts caution genomics is no substitute for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.