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How Climate Warming Is Reshaping Florida’s Ecosystems

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

8:30 a.m. Welcome – Bob Bunting, CEO and Chairman, Climate Adaptation Center (CAC), and Dr. 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 – Dr. 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 – Dr. 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 – Dr. 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? – Dr. 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 – Dr. 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 – Dr. 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: Dr. Hilary Swain, Ph.D., Executive Director & CEO, Archbold Biological Station, and Mallory Dimmitt, CEO, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

4:40 p.m. Closing Remarks

4:45 p.m. 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.