Many of the world’s most iconic species migrate as part of their life-cycles: whales, dolphins and marine turtles; elephants, large carnivores and antelopes; and a whole range of birds. Migration is key to the survival of these species; they are finely adapted to specific habitats that change with the seasons. It has been known for some time that climate change has the potential to adversely impact migratory species. This new review presents a summary of recent scientific evidence that indicates that the impacts of climate change are being felt by migratory species now. The review finds that these impacts could have catastrophic implications for many migratory species. These impacts are both to the habitats that migratory species rely on for their survival, and to the phenomenon of migration itself. Ecological changes linked to climate change are already having an impact on the survival of migratory species. For example, wildfires and extreme weather events have led to the destruction of important habitats. Significant changes in the distribution, numbers and overall ecology of migratory species have also already been observed. For example, changes are being reported in patterns of migration, including the routes used, and in the timing of the migration. These impacts on migratory species have the potential to disrupt ecosystem functioning and cohesion globally, thereby impacting the services these ecosystems provide to humanity. Migratory species provide many human benefits, including as a source of nutrition, economic development and services such as pollination, seed dispersal and pest control. Migratory species are essential parts of well-functioning ecosystems; hence the conservation of migratory species is an important part of the answer to both the biodiversity crisis and to the climate change crisis. There can be no ‘net zero’ without nature recovery. Through the delivery of nature-based solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation, governments can achieve win-win solutions.