This post highlights the seminal event in the formation of the Climate Adaptation Center, a climate conference held in January, 2019 at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. Bob Bunting, now CAC Chairman and CEO, was a lead organizer and keynote speaker for the sold-out event, titled “Adapting to a Changing Climate: Challenges & Opportunities.”
“At the end of the day, what we have to admit to ourselves is that the climate is changing and because it’s changing our lives are changing. It’s not a question of who is responsible. The question we should be asking is, what are we going to do about it?” – Bob Bunting
Sponsors of the event included USF, Cumberland Advisors, the Global Interdependence Center, the Science and Environment Council of Sarasota County and Atlas Insurance.
From hurricanes to red tide and sea level rise, the conference covered how a changing climate affects the Sarasota-Manatee region and the state of Florida. Speakers discussed the challenges and impact to Florida and its coastal communities, as well as adaptive strategies leading to social and economic opportunities. Interestingly, two of the speakers, David Kotok, Chief Investment Officer and founder of Cumberland Advisors, and renowned climate scientist Dr. Robert Corell, later joined the CAC Board of Directors.
Video coverage of the entire conference is available on the CAC YouTube channel. Watch the first session in the video below.