Climate Adaptation Center events focus on Florida's climate challenges

Our events provide unique opportunities to bridge the gap between the latest scientific research and public sector understanding of Florida’s changing climate. Building on the success of the 2019 Climate Summit, the CAC will host a variety of in-person and virtual events going forward.

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!

The Climate Champions Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 in the Michael’s on East ballroom in Sarasota. We will be honoring the lifetime contributions of our Champions Nominees to climate adaptation.

This moving 90 minute luncheon event is like the Academy Awards of Climate Adaptation. It is fun, inspiring and entertaining.

Our beautiful and stunning Beacon Statue will be awarded! A full house, including the leadership of our community, is expected at this joyous event.

The Climate Champions Awards are such a positive and powerful event!  Celebrating those who DO is one way to inspire others to follow. It is exciting to see what is being done. We are just getting started!

 

David Kotok, our first 2025 Climate Champion nominee, is honored for his pioneering leadership in climate adaptation, from catalyzing CAC’s growth and shaping its conferences to advancing climate finance and fostering international collaborations addressing the impacts of climate warming.

 

Dr. Karen Holbrook, Regional Chancellor of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee and our second 2025 Climate Champion nominee, is recognized for her pivotal role in strengthening CAC’s relationship with Florida’s academic community, hosting all CAC conferences, fostering faculty collaboration, advancing sustainability efforts with the Patel School of Global Sustainability, and envisioning a future STEM Center to deepen CAC partnerships.

 

AG Lafley, A renowned business leader, mentor, and philanthropist, celebrated for his transformative leadership as CEO and Chairman of Procter & Gamble. As the Founding CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy in Sarasota, FL, he has spearheaded the creation of a thriving, inclusive public park that exemplifies environmental and climate resilience. Under his guidance, The Bay has become a beacon for innovation and adaptation, inspiring communities to embrace sustainable solutions.

Another Climate Champion nominee will be announced in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!


We have all seen the ravages on our SW Florida communities in the past several years, just as the CAC has been predicting in its unprecedented climate forecast. The CAC brings the best information to decision makers to help prepare for increasing climate disruptions, but celebrating achievements in climate adaptation is also a must. It is bad news in some ways but there is much good news too!

In fact, our only real choice for the next generation is adaptation, since it will take time for the world to bring down the rate of climate warming. Lowering the risk through climate adaptation helps protect our way of life.

The prices we are paying now reflect the increased risk as we clearly see with insurance rates. That being said, we must DO!

Won’t you be part of this amazing opportunity?

Getting a table for your group is a terrific way to celebrate this year’s Climate Champions. There are other perks too such as signage and mentions from the podium. For more information, reach out to Bob Bunting or Ric Kearbey. You can buy group tables and individual tickets here.


 

More Climate Adaptation Center events in the coming months!

2025 Hurricane Season Forecast Day

Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee campus, Selby Auditorium, Sarasota, Florida

5th Annual Florida Climate Forecast Conference: Climate and Biodiversity

Thursday/Friday, November 13-142025 at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee campus, Student Center Ballroom, Sarasota, Florida