Climate change is accelerating glacier retreat in the tropical Andes. However, the impacts of these rapid changes on ecosystem assembly remain largely understudied, particularly concerning a key pioneer group in this process—lichens and mosses—which are often overlooked in ecological research.

Lichens and mosses are slow-growing organisms known for their crucial role in soil formation, a fundamental step in the formation of new ecosystems. However, in some tropical regions, we have observed that their growth response is not keeping pace with the accelerated colonization by vascular plants. As a result, lichens and mosses may be competitively displaced from the successional system, with unknown consequences for ecosystem services.

In this talk, we will explore the effects of climate change in the Northern Andes, the role of lichens and mosses in primary succession, and the gaps in our scientific understanding of their contributions to ecosystem assembly. Finally, I will share my experiences as a tropical ecologist witnessing climate change firsthand and how my interactions with local communities have shaped my perspective on this global challenge.