Adaptchange

Adaptchange

What is the aim of this initiative?

The study of adaptation mechanisms has the potential to generate valuable information to improve our predictions of how species respond to abrupt climate change.

Species distributed along the latitudinal gradient of the European Atlantic coast are particularly exposed to multiple environmental changes that may affect their livelihoods.

One of the curiosities is the study of a target species living in Iceland, the marine snails of the genus Littorina.

Research into the adaptive potential and eco-evolutionary dynamics of intertidal species with reduced dispersal capacity at the two latitudinal extremes of their distribution is expected to result in substantially improved predictions of how marine biodiversity is affected by climate change.

In the context of the funding awarded, a network of institutions involved in research and dissemination of scientific knowledge from Portugal, Iceland and Norway was established with the aim of implementing a strategic research and outreach project that aims to study the adaptive processes to rapid climate change.

In the future, we hope to contribute to the implementation of more effective conservation measures and also to increase the scientific literacy of local communities about the oceans and actively involve them in the fight against climate change, undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges of our times.

• Adaptchange Initiative studies adaptation mechanisms to environmental changes