Many climate change mitigation and adaptation measures are implemented with little regard for their wider impacts. This review highlights those which may complement or conflict with biodiversity and thus represent risks or opportunities for conservation. It also shows how there are a variety of possible interactions between sectoral mitigation and adaptation measures, and between these and biodiversity. The cross-sectoral nature of mitigation and adaptation measures means that in order to have coherent responses there needs to be policy integration between in the various sectors. Those measures which are wholly positive (win-win-win) should be sought in order that cost-effective and environmentally sound action is taken.