The global effort to combat climate change has entered a decisive and precarious phase. Rising global temperatures, intensifying extreme weather events, and a rapidly narrowing window for action underscore the urgency of the situation. In response, 151 countries have committed to achieving carbon neutrality, in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C. Yet, transforming these commitments into concrete action remains a formidable challenge.

Why do some microbial invaders establish themselves successfully while others fail? In a recent study, Hu et al. [2] addressed this fundamental ecological question using synthetic microbial communities and theoretical modeling. Their findings suggest that the fate of microbial invasions is determined less by the traits of the invading species and more by the collective dynamics of the resident community.

Urban green spaces offer vital ecosystem services (ES)—including air purification, temperature regulation, and psychological well-being—yet many urban residents remain unaware of these often invisible benefits. To address this knowledge gap among younger generations, Menconi et al. (2025) developed and tested an educational tool called ES-Hunt, a nature-based “serious game” designed to improve children’s understanding of the ecological roles played by urban trees.