5th Annual Florida Climate Forecast Conference: Climate and 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 and Biodiversity image
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How Climate Warming Is Reshaping Florida’s Ecosystems

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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 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 - Elizabeth Moore, Board Member CAC
  • Panel Members - Dr. Hilary Swain, Executive Director & CEO, Archbold, and Mallory Dimmitt, CEO, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation
  • Presenters: Archbold, Florida Wildlife Corridor, Mote, Lemu, Big Water Land Trust, and others

4:40 pm – Closing Remarks
4:45 pm – Adjourn

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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 Sponsor

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

To see sponsorship 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)
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