Zeng et al discuss the effect of climate change on the delicate balance between ecosystem-rebuilding and conservation, and economic security and social wellbeing. Their modelling approach explores the impact of climate change on these marine socio-ecological relationships within the northern South China Sea and East China Sea. While climate change is expected to hinder approaches to achieving future biodiversity targets, it may have contrasting effects on economic well-being in different regions and ecosystems, even those that neighbor each other. This study highlights the importance in considering climate change in current and future ecosystem conservation plans.