Climate change will alter natural areas on a global scale within the next century. In areas vulnerable to climate change, scientists are regularly challenged to justify the resources needed for research and conservation. We face what may seem like a losing battle, especially in low-lying coastal areas where sea-level rise is predicted to severely degrade or destroy many ecosystems. Using sea-level rise in the low-elevation state of Florida, USA, as a case study, we argue that it is critical to remain engaged in the research, restoration, and conservation of natural areas threatened by climate change for as long as possible. These areas will continue to provide invaluable ecological and societal benefits. Additionally, uncertainty surrounding climate change forecasts and their ecological impact leaves room for optimism, research, and actions that are necessary for developing adaptation plans and mitigating further sea-level rise and other consequences of climate change. We urge scientists and particularly students beginning their careers not to forego research and conservation efforts of these imperiled lands but to face this unprecedented challenge with determination, creativity, and solution-based strategies.

气候变化将在下个世纪改变全球范围内的自然区域。在易受气候变化影响的地区，科学家经常受到挑战，以证明研究和保护所需的资源是合理的。我们面临着一场看似失败的战斗，尤其是在海平面上升预计将严重退化或破坏许多生态系统的低洼沿海地区。以美国佛罗里达州低海拔州的海平面上升为例，我们认为，尽可能长时间地继续从事受气候变化威胁的自然区域的研究、恢复和保护是至关重要的. 这些地区将继续提供宝贵的生态和社会效益。此外，围绕气候变化预测及其生态影响的不确定性为乐观、研究、制定适应计划和减轻海平面进一步上升和气候变化的其他后果所必需的行动。我们敦促科学家，尤其是开始他们的职业生涯的学生不要放弃对这些濒危土地的研究和保护工作，而是要以决心、创造力和基于解决方案的策略来面对这一前所未有的挑战。