5th Annual Florida Climate Forecast Conference: Climate & Biodiversity

November 13, 2025 @ 8:00AM — 4:45PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar

University of South Florida - Sarasota-Manatee Campus in the Selby Auditorium: 8350 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 Get Directions

5th Annual Florida Climate Forecast Conference: Climate & Biodiversity image
Share:

How Climate Warming Is Reshaping Florida’s Ecosystems

Become a CAC Member today! Use this link to review benefits.

This year, the Climate Adaptation Center (CAC) brings together leading scientists and biodiversity experts for an immersive, solutions-driven event focused on one of the most urgent challenges of our time: the impact of climate warming on biodiversity.
From Florida’s coral reefs to its coastlines, wetlands, and wildlife, ecosystems across the state, and the planet, are under pressure. As species shift, vanish, or adapt, so must we. This conference will equip attendees with the science, strategies, and partnerships needed to protect biodiversity and the critical services it provides to people, economies, and future generations
Whether you're guiding decisions for your organization, community, government, or philanthropy, or simply want to understand what’s at stake, this event is designed for people who want to turn knowledge into action.
  • 🌎 Learn what’s changing in Florida’s ecosystems
  • 🌿 Understand how biodiversity loss affects everything from agriculture to tourism
  • 💡 Discover innovative adaptation and resilience strategies from top experts
  • 🤝 Connect with leaders shaping the future of Florida’s environment

Agenda

8:00 a.m. Check-in and Coffee/Refreshments

8:30 a.m. Welcome – Bob Bunting, CEO and Chairman, Climate Adaptation Center (CAC), and Brett Kemker, Ph.D., Interim Regional Chancellor, University of South Florida, Sarasota–Manatee

8:35 a.m. Introduction of Sponsors, Dignitaries, and Guests – Bob Bunting, CEO and Chairman, Climate Adaptation Center (CAC)

Session 1: From Paleoclimates to the Climate Today and to the Outlook until 2100 – How Climate Drives Biodiversity

8:40 a.m. Climate & Biodiversity through Deep Time – Kenneth Lacovara, Ph.D., Founding Former Dean, School of Earth and Environment, Rowan University, Founding Executive Director, Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, Rowan University

9:20 a.m. Audience Q & A

9:40 a.m. Global Climate and Biodiversity since the Last Ice Age, Zeroing in on Florida’s Unique Challenge – Bob Bunting, CEO and Chairman, Climate Adaptation Center (CAC)

10:20 a.m. Audience Q & A

10:40 a.m. Break / Refreshments (20 minutes)

Session 2: Florida’s Ecosystems on the Brink

11:00 a.m. From the Everglades to the Gulf: How Climate Change is Reshaping Florida’s Ecosystems – Pam Soltis, Ph.D., Director, University of Florida Biodiversity Institute

11:40 a.m. Audience Q & A

11:45 a.m. Lunch – Outside on USFSM Plaza (Lunch ticket required)

Session 3: Coastal and Marine Biodiversity at Risk

12:30 p.m. The Coastal Crisis: Rising Seas, Warming Oceans, and Ecosystem Collapse – Alastair Harborne, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Institute of Environment & Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University

1:10 p.m. Audience Q & A

Session 4: The Human Dimension – Economy, Communities, and Policy

1:20 p.m. How Are We Gonna Pay for It? – Colin Polsky, Ph.D., Professor of Geosciences and Associate Vice President, Broward Campuses, Florida Atlantic University

2:00 p.m. Audience Q & A

2:10 p.m. Break / Refreshments (20 minutes)

Session 5: Technology, Collaboration, and Vision – Shaping Florida’s Biodiversity Future

2:30 p.m. Biotechnology Advances for Wildlife Conservation – Liv Liberman, Ph.D., Program Manager, Revive & Restore

3:10 p.m. Audience Q & A

3:20 p.m. Innovation and Novel Interventions to Support Coral Reef Restoration – Erinn Muller, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Research, Program Manager for Coral Health & Disease, Senior Scientist, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

4:00 p.m. Audience Q & A

Session 6: Florida Action and Commitment Panel

4:10 p.m. Florida Action and Commitment Panel – Moderator: Elizabeth Moore, Board Member, Climate Adaptation Center (CAC); Panelists: Hilary Swain, Ph.D., Executive Director & CEO, Archbold Biological Station, and Mallory Dimmitt, CEO, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

(10-minute informational presentations by panelists followed by 15 minutes of moderated discussion and 10 minutes of interactive audience Q&A. Bob Bunting joins panel for closing reflections and actionable commitments.)

4:40 p.m. Closing Remarks

4:45 p.m. Adjourn

___

Thank you to our sponsors!

  • Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation is a Gold sponsor
  • WUSF is a Gold sponsor
  • Sarasota Magazine is a Gold sponsor
  • Tommy Express Car Wash is our seasonal sponsor
  • CSA Group is a silver sponsor
  • USF Sarasota-Manatee is a sponsor

Become A Member

Category 5 members receive VIP tickets for all conference events and receptions.

To see benefits, click here.

The Climate Adaptation Center, Inc. is a Florida-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, donations to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. (CH66971)
Ticket Details
Price
Quantity
Sponsor Our Event

Support us with a donation.