Abiotic stress, including drought, salinity, and pollutants, negatively impacts plant growth, leading to reduced yields and poor growth. Climate change intensifies these stresses, making it crucial to improve crop tolerance. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing has emerged as an effective tool to enhance stress resistance in crops. For example, editing genes like OsDREB, ARGOS8, and OsERF109 has significantly improved drought, salt, and cold tolerance in plants such as rice and maize. This technology offers precise, cost-effective solutions for increasing crop resilience to environmental challenges. Additionally, modifying genes such as those involved in flavonoid accumulation can enhance abiotic stress tolerance in crops like safflower. In addition to abiotic stress tolerance, genetic modifications are being explored to combat biotic stress from pests and diseases, which are exacerbated by climate change. CRISPR/Cas9 enables the development of disease-resistant crops by modifying genes related to immune responses. Genetically modified crops, such as those expressing Bacillus thuringiensis genes, offer pest resistance and reduce pesticide reliance. The application of CRISPR/Cas9 for these purposes is not without challenges, including the ethical considerations of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), environmental impacts, and regulatory hurdles. However, the success of these genetic modifications, along with their potential to address the growing concerns of climate change and food security, highlights the importance of continuing to explore and refine genetic engineering techniques for agricultural improvement. As this technology advances, it holds significant promise for helping to build more resilient, sustainable, and nutritious crops in the face of changing climatic conditions.

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