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The Business of Climate Adaptation

The dramatic image above is an extreme example of infrastructure built to adapt to a changing climate – the Delta Works flood control megaproject built to protect the Rhine-Meuse river delta area of the Netherlands. The Delta Works network of storm surge barriers, dams, sluices, locks, dykes and levees was built over four decades at a cost of $13 billion. The premier example of a “disaster avoidance” strategy, the Delta Works were declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The private sector is a crucial part of successful climate risk adaptation and mitigation strategies, with opportunities ranging from construction megaprojects to consumer products and services. Construction projects are only one aspect of the broad spectrum of business opportunities or all types and sizes presented by climate adaptation. By making connections between the business sector, the scientific community and the public sector, CAC provides a forum to discover new business opportunities and a long term strategic view of the changing Florida climate.

What is the Climate Economy?

Broadly speaking, the climate economy refers to the relationship between actions which can strengthen economic performance and those which reduce the risks resulting from climate change. At global and national scales, considerable emphasis is on the concept of a low carbon economy – shifts in energy consumption and production that limit greenhouse gas emissions, thus limiting future climate warming. Regional and local climate economies have a more immediate focus on adaptation and mitigation efforts.

By engaging the Florida business community, together with the scientific community and the public sector, CAC creates a launch pad for new products and services for cost-effective solutions to Florida climate issues.

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The CAC Team

Work with us to make the climate economy a reality

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Bob Bunting

CEO

Mr. Bunting is a scientist, serial entrepreneur and educator and walks easily between private enterprise, government and academic spheres making him an effective “bridge” person and uniquely qualified to lead the CAC. He is CEO of Waterstone Strategies, a successful business strategy consultancy for early-stage high technology companies. He was also CEO of Pathogen Systems, Inc., a medical technology company, during its early development. Prior to joining private industry, Bunting was Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Foundation, which oversees the commercialization of all intellectual property generated by the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
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Dr. Robert Corell

Director

Dr. Corell is a Principal at the Global Environment Technology Foundation, leading its Center for Energy and Climate Solutions, and Chair, Global Science Associates, an interdisciplinary nucleus of science experts. Along with his co-workers, he was recognized for the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessments. Recent academic appointments include an Adjunct Professorship at the University of Miami’s Department of Ocean Sciences, Professor, University of the Arctic and Professor II, Arctic Institute of Circumpolar Reindeer Husbandry, Norway.
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Dan Dykgraaf

Director

Mr. Dykgraaf brings decades of experience in commercial, industrial, residential, resort, and mall real estate development. As the CEO of Space Source, Inc., he has developed hundreds of commercial properties both nationally and internationally. He is also CEO of Tommy’s Inc., an environmentally friendly high throughput car wash chain. In addition, Mr. Dykgraaf owns several sales companies specializing in logistics, transportation, and chemical and food manufacturing.
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Dr. Stuart Waterman

CTO

Dr. Waterman is a research scientist with an extensive track record in high technology product development and business strategy. He is the CTO of the Climate Adaptation Center and the co-founder and CTO of the Waterstone Strategies consultancy. His career in the aerospace industry included lead roles in programs for NASA, USGS, the European Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing and the governments of Australia, Republic of China and Brazil.

Support the Climate Adaptation Center

CAC is an independent, non-profit organization focused on the unique and evolving challenges arising from Florida’s changing climate. Your support helps CAC explore the intersection of scientific research, business innovation and government resources to help communities recognize and adapt to the changing climate, and to help businesses thrive in the climate economy. We promise to put your contribution to immediate, effective use.

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