Future-proof through adaptation? The role of climate-resilient varieties in agriculture: Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and more frequent and intense extreme weather events pose new challenges for agriculture worldwide. Yield losses are to be expected in the coming decades, particularly in the Global South. Climate-resilient varieties can make an important contribution to adapting to climate change.  It is estimated that 15-39% of the world's arable land will need new plant varieties in future, depending on the emissions scenario. However, breeding a new variety is a lengthy and costly process that takes 10-12 years on average. New technologies such as genome editing could significantly speed up this process, while at the same time the genetic diversity of landraces and wild relatives offers great opportunities for breeding. In the global South, international research institutions and gene and seed banks are making an important contribution to the provision of climate-resilient varieties. However, high costs, insecure land ownership rights and a lack of access to markets and credit stand in the way of greater utilisation of improved seeds. Information campaigns, practical demonstrations of improved seeds and financial incentives can promote rapid variety change.