Our events provide unique opportunities to bridge the gap between the latest scientific research and public sector understanding of Florida’s changing climate.
The cornerstone of our events program is the annual Florida Climate Conference, featuring a projection of the climate challenges Florida is likely to face in the future. CAC events are very popular — don’t miss the next one!
Category 5 members receive VIP tickets for all conference events and receptions.
For more information, click here.
Category 5 members receive VIP tickets for all conference events and receptions.
For more information, click here.
8:00 am – Check-in Coffee/Refreshments
SESSION 1: From Paleoclimates to the Climate Today and to the Outlook until 2100: How Climate Drives Biodiversity
8:30 am – Climate & Biodiversity through the Last Ice Age — Dr. Ken Lacovara, Rowan University / Edelman Fossil Park & Museum
9:30 am – Global Climate and Biodiversity since The Last Ice Age, zeroing in on Florida’s Unique Challenge — Bob Bunting, Climate Adaptation Center
10:30 am – Break
SESSION 2: Florida’s Ecosystems on the Brink
11:00 am – From the Everglades to the Gulf: How Climate Change is Reshaping Florida’s Ecosystems — Dr. Pam Soltis, University of Florida Biodiversity Institute
11:45 am – Lunch – Outside on USFSM Plaza
SESSION 3: Coastal and Marine Biodiversity at Risk
12:30 pm – The Coastal Crisis: Rising Seas, Warming Oceans, and Ecosystem Collapse — Dr. Alastair Harborne, Florida International University
SESSION 4: The Human Dimension: Economy, Communities, and Policy
1:20 pm – How are We Gonna Pay for It? — Dr. Colin Polsky, Florida Atlantic University School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability
2:10 pm – Break
SESSION 5: Technology, Collaboration, and Vision: Shaping Florida’s Biodiversity Future: A Few Examples
2:30 pm – Biotechnology Advances for Wildlife Conservation — Dr. Liv Liberman, Revive & Restore
3:10 pm – Innovation and Novel Interventions to Support Coral Reef Restoration — Dr. Erinn Muller, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
SESSION 6: Florida Action and Commitment Panel
3:50 pm – Moderator: Bob Bunting
Presenters: Archbold, Florida Wildlife Corridor, Mote, Lemu, Big Water Land Trust, others
4:40 pm – Closing Remarks
4:45 pm – Adjourn
Sponsoring the 5th Annual Florida Climate Forecast Conference: Climate and Biodiversity is an opportunity to support a critical, science-driven event that helps our community stay informed and prepared.
As a sponsor, your organization will be recognized as a leader in climate resilience, gaining high visibility among policymakers, business leaders, and engaged citizens who rely on this event. Your support directly contributes to public awareness and preparedness at this event focused on one of the most urgent challenges of our time: the impact of climate warming on biodiversity.
For more information, reach out to Bob Bunting.
Buy tickets for the 5th Annual Florida Climate Forecast Conference here.
More Climate Adaptation Center events in the coming months!
Thursday, April 23, 2026 at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee Campus, Selby Auditorium. Don’t miss this one!
Tuesday, March, 11, 2026 at Michaels on East Ballroom in Sarasota. This luncheon will celebrate and inspire you as we honor decision makers advancing climate adaptation.
