Addressing Climate Change & Invasive Species in Canada
Invasives Canada is excited to announce the launch of our NEW website for the National Invasive Species and Climate Change (NISCC) Network!
This online hub is designed for researchers, managers, government agencies and Indigenous nations working at the intersection of invasive species (IS) and climate change (CC). Researchers can share and highlight their work through research summaries, while managers can access practical tools and resources to guide decisions on the ground.
Invasive Species and Climate Change
On their own, climate change and invasive species are global change stressors that have profound impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems and economies. These stressors interact to produce effects that are worse than their independent impacts.
Climate change makes environments more vulnerable to invasions and can promote the spread of invasive species through warming temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events. At the same time, invasive species can worsen the impacts of climate change by lowering ecosystem resilience and reducing their ability to store carbon.
"Invasive species are projected to benefit from climate change as it accelerates rates of colonization through adaptive migration… raising the likelihood of colonizing species being able to thrive in new locations and in novel climates " – Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Invasive Alien Species Assessment, 2024.
As the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss grow, it's more important than ever to study these linkages. To stay ahead of this challenge, we need to support and amplify invasive species research, policy, and management.
A Global Effort – From RISCC to NISCC
In 2016, the first Regional Invasive Species & Climate Change (RISCC) Management Network was launched in the Northeast United States to give managers clearer guidance on invasive species in a changing climate. At the time, the influence of climate change on invasive species was increasingly being studied; however, the accessibility of science-based resources for managers on the ground was lacking.
The number of RISCC's representing different regions across the United States has grown to include North Central, Northwest, Northeast, Pacific and Southeast, making up the Cross-RISCC network. Following our 2022 symposium the National Invasive Species and Climate Change (NISCC) Network was born—joining the Cross-RISCC Network and giving Canada a seat at the table.
Each RISCC's goal is the same: to reduce the combined impacts of climate change and invasive species by summarizing science, sharing practitioner needs, building stronger links between scientists and managers, and setting research priorities.
NISCC.ca
Like other RISCC groups, NISCC bridges the gap between research and management by listening to what managers need and connecting them with researchers. NISCC works to:
- Synthesize and share research in clear, accessible formats
- Support knowledge exchange between researchers, managers, government agencies and Indigenous nations
- Identify emerging issues and guide priority research
“Climate change is altering habitats and ecosystems, favouring invasive species over native ones, including those at risk. Researchers aid in understanding, predicting, and mitigating these effects. NISCC ensures that these findings reach land managers dedicated to preserving these ecosystems.” – Ken Donnelly, Invasives Canada Board Chair
Our new NISCC website is a hub for knowledge sharing between researchers and managers. On the website you’ll find:
- Climate and Invasive Species: Find out more about how these global drivers interact and what it means for Canada.
- Research: Find resources and summaries of the latest climate change and invasive species research.
- News and Events: Updates on national initiatives, upcoming webinars, and more.
The challenges of climate change and invasive species require international collaboration and informed action. Explore our website to learn more, access resources, and join Canada’s growing community working at the intersection of invasive species and climate change.
If you’d like to learn more, submit your work to be added to our library of research summaries, or participate in future working groups, please contact Chris Sullivan at chris@invasivescanada.ca.