Big week in Montpellier this week, as the world’s microclimate ecology and biogeography community has gathered for the third global MEB conference.

After the first edition in Antwerp in 2022 and the second in Helsinki in 2024, this year’s conference is bigger and more diverse than ever.

Just one day in, I already feel like our field has truly grown beyond its original boundaries (symbolized, perhaps, by this brave little vine from the first day’s excursion). Microclimate has permeated nearly every corner of ecology and biogeography, and its importance for improving our understanding of ecological patterns and processes is high on everyone’s agenda.

That doesn’t mean the work is done – far from it. We also recognize that the world of microclimate is remarkably heterogeneous (something beautifully reflected in the landscape of the Cirque de Navacelles, visited during yesterday’s excursion).

In many ways, by incorporating microclimate into our research, we’ve added an entirely new dimension to ecology. The challenge now is figuring out how to embrace that complexity without becoming overwhelmed by it.

Fortunately, with a room full of bright and enthusiastic minds, we’re well equipped to keep moving the field forward.