How Quantum Computing Can Speed Up Climate Change Mitigation Efforts

Climate change is often considered one of the most pressing challenges of our time. While the conversations frequently centre around rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and more frequent extreme weather events, an equally critical issue lurks beneath the surface: the synergistic relationship between climate change and invasive species. Together, they form a potent force driving global biodiversity loss at an unprecedented pace.

Invasive species—non-native organisms that spread and harm local ecosystems—are no strangers to ecosystems. Historically, these species have thrived due to human activities like trade, travel, and agricultural expansion. However, the unprecedented environmental shifts caused by climate change have provided new opportunities for invasive species to colonise areas they could not previously inhabit. This dynamic interaction creates a ripple effect, leading to the extinction of native species, the collapse of ecosystems, and massive economic losses.

A report from the UN Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) highlighted that invasive species now cost the global economy over $423 billion each year—a figure that is projected to rise as climate change worsens. However, the financial costs only scratch the surface of the broader ecological damage. Entire ecosystems are being reshaped, with some regions facing a sixth mass extinction event driven by these twin forces of environmental change.

Invasive species don’t originate as inherently harmful organisms, nor do they spontaneously emerge as nuisances, like weeds. Rather, they are non-native species introduced into a new region, usually through human activity, where they take root and disrupt the local environment. Once established, these species often outcompete native plants and animals, causing significant harm to biodiversity, ecosystems, and even human livelihoods. These alien species—whether plants, animals, or microorganisms—are typically spread by humans through global trade, travel, and other human-mediated actions. The problem arises when they disrupt the natural balance, displacing native species and reshaping the landscapes and ways of life in the regions they invade.

Invasive species disrupt local ecosystems in a variety of ways. Some outcompete native species for resources, while others prey on native species or introduce new diseases. In many cases, the damage caused by invasive species is irreversible. Vulnerable native species face an even greater risk of extinction as the same harsh climatic conditions that promote the spread of invasive species simultaneously weaken their ability to survive

One such example is the spread of Lantana camara, a flowering plant that has become one of the world's most invasive species. Native to Central and South America, Lantana thrives in warmer climates and has now invaded over 50 countries, including large parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Its dense thickets outcompete native plants for sunlight and nutrients, altering the structure of ecosystems and reducing biodiversity. In Africa, Lantana has severely impacted agricultural productivity, leading to significant economic losses for smallholder farmers.

Similarly, the invasive plant Kudzu, sometimes referred to as “the vine that ate the South,” has taken over large swaths of the Southeastern United States. Kudzu grows rapidly—up to a foot per day—and smothers native plants, cutting off their access to sunlight. It was introduced to control soil erosion but Kudzu has now become a major ecological problem, altering ecosystems and reducing biodiversity. As climate change intensifies, Kudzu is expected to spread northward, bringing its devastating ecological impacts with it.

Another example is invasive species in Africa, like the Water Hyacinth and Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed), which further illustrate the region's vulnerability to ecological disruptions. Water Hyacinth, native to the Amazon Basin, has spread aggressively across African water bodies, particularly in Lake Victoria. It forms dense mats that block sunlight, reducing oxygen levels in water and threatening fish populations. This invasive plant has also clogged waterways, impacting fishing and transportation, and causing substantial economic losses. Similarly, Chromolaena odorata—a fast-growing shrub from Central and South America—has invaded West and Central Africa. It outcompetes native vegetation, depletes soil nutrients, and hinders agricultural activities, leading to reduced crop yields and negatively affecting rural livelihoods.

The story is the same in marine ecosystems. Invasive species like the zebra mussel in the Great Lakes have wreaked havoc on freshwater ecosystems. The zebra mussel filters out plankton that native fish rely on for food, disrupting the food chain and leading to declines in native fish populations. Warmer water temperatures caused by climate change have allowed zebra mussels to thrive in regions where they were previously unable to survive, further compounding the damage they cause.

The relationship between climate change and invasive species is one of mutual amplification. Climate change creates the environmental instability that invasive species can exploit, while the success of these species can further worsen climate impacts.

As temperatures rise, invasive species gain a foothold in regions that were previously inhospitable. In the United States and Canada, for instance, warmer winters have allowed the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle native to Asia, to expand its range. This beetle has devastated ash tree populations, which are foundational to forest ecosystems in North America. By killing off these keystone species, the emerald ash borer has created ripple effects that threaten the survival of countless other species dependent on ash trees for habitat and food.

The Mediterranean Sea is another example where warming waters have allowed invasive species to flourish. The invasive lionfish, which is native to the warmer waters of the Indo-Pacific, has expanded its range into the Mediterranean, where it preys on native fish species. With no natural predators in this new environment, lionfish populations have exploded, leading to declines in native biodiversity and disruption of local food chains. These disruptions aren't just limited to the aquatic world—human communities that depend on fishing are also feeling the impact, further compounding the challenges posed by climate change.

In many cases, invasive species do more than just capitalise on the opportunities created by climate change—they actively contribute to it. This creates a dangerous feedback loop in which climate change enables invasive species, and these species, in turn, exacerbate the effects of climate change.

Invasive grasses such as cheatgrass in the American West is a prime example. Cheatgrass grows quickly, dries out rapidly, and is highly flammable. As a result, it has increased the frequency and intensity of wildfires in the region. These wildfires destroy native vegetation and create open spaces where cheatgrass can further spread. The fires also release significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to the very climate changes that promote the spread of invasive species in the first place.

Marine ecosystems are not immune to these feedback loops. Invasive algae like Caulerpa taxifolia have spread across the Mediterranean, outcompeting native seagrass meadows that play a critical role in carbon sequestration. These invasive algae displace native plants, reducing the ocean's capacity to absorb and store carbon, which further accelerates global warming.

To effectively address the interconnected crises of climate change and invasive species, an all-round approach is essential. Tackling these issues in isolation is no longer sufficient. Global leaders, policymakers, and environmental organisations must implement integrated strategies that address both climate change mitigation and invasive species management. Below are key actions that can be taken to combat this growing challenge:

• Strengthen Biosecurity Measures
  Preventing the introduction of invasive species is far more cost-effective than managing them once they have been established. Governments must implement and enforce stronger biosecurity protocols. This includes stricter regulations on international shipping and trade—key pathways for the unintentional spread of invasive species. Countries like New Zealand have pioneered robust biosecurity frameworks, with early detection systems and quarantine protocols that can be scaled globally.
• Promote Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) Systems
  Once invasive species are introduced, early intervention is critical to limiting their spread. Establishing well-coordinated early detection and rapid response systems can help identify and remove invasive species before they become entrenched. For example, the European Union has developed a coordinated invasive species regulation that includes a comprehensive list of invasive species and guidelines for their management. Similar initiatives must be expanded globally, with increased funding to support monitoring programs.
• Restore Ecosystem Resilience
  Ecological restoration is essential in building resilience against both climate change and invasive species. Restoration projects should focus on reviving native species, replanting forests, and restoring wetlands and other critical habitats that act as buffers against invasive species and climate impacts. Projects such as the Great Green Wall in Africa, which aims to restore degraded land across the Sahel region, are examples of how large-scale restoration can mitigate the effects of climate change while also protecting biodiversity from invasions.
• Integrate Invasive Species Management into Climate Adaptation Strategies
  Governments and international organisations must incorporate invasive species control into their climate adaptation frameworks. This integration will ensure that ecosystems vulnerable to climate change are also protected from biological invasions.
• Increase Public Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement
  Raising awareness about the link between climate change and invasive species is crucial for building broad-based support for conservation efforts. Public campaigns, educational programs, and the involvement of local communities can empower individuals to participate in prevention and restoration activities. Governments should encourage citizen science initiatives, where the public can assist in the monitoring of invasive species.

The remaining strategies further emphasise the need for a comprehensive response that encompasses legislative, scientific, and cooperative actions. Enhancing international cooperation and funding is critical for developing effective monitoring and management programs on a global scale, as invasive species do not respect borders. Moreover, supporting scientific research and innovation will provide us with the necessary tools and knowledge to combat invasions effectively, while developing climate-resilient agricultural practices that can protect food security from the impacts of both climate change and biological invasions. Lastly, enforcing stronger international commitments to protect biodiversity aligns global efforts with clear, actionable goals that can make a substantial impact. Collectively, these strategies highlight the importance of a united front against the dual threats of climate change and invasive species, ensuring that we safeguard the planet’s biodiversity for future generations.