Summit on Florida’s wildlife and climate change

Summit on Florida’s wildlife and climate change

Florida’s wildlife stands at the forefront of the battle against the effects of climate change. But they don’t stand alone. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other state and federal agencies and environmental groups are bracing to fight for their protection, management and adaptation.

Florida’s Wildlife: On the Frontline of Climate Change, a summit hosted by the FWC, will highlight the challenges facing wildlife managers, governments, industry leaders and the public in the next 50 years in the struggle with climate change. On Aug. 20-22, experts from the FWC and other state and federal agencies will converge in Orlando at the Rosen PLAZA to discuss the predicted consequences of climate change on wildlife, while seeking answers on how to manage and conserve Florida’s wildlife and habitats wisely.

"This summit has global significance, because the effects of climate change on places like Florida and Alaska will be a prelude to what’s going to happen elsewhere in the world," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto.

One of the keynote speakers, Dr. Jean Brennan, a climate change scientist with Defenders of Wildlife, was a member of the U.S. Delegation at international negotiations under the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. She also served on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and shares the Nobel Peace Prize for 2007 for her contribution to (IPCC). Brennan acknowledges that Florida’s wildlife and habitats are in a sensitive position when it comes to the effects of climate change.

"Florida is extremely vulnerable with its low elevation," Brennan said. "And it’s the hardest hit with extreme weather such as hurricanes. The Arctic is seeing greater temperature changes, but the biological diversity of plants and animals in Florida forces the question: What are you losing?"

The summit will feature presentations and workshops to stimulate discussion and offer solutions to the complexities of a state growing rapidly in an environment changing just as quickly.

On Wednesday, Aug. 20, Dr. Virginia R. Van Sickle-Burkett from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) will present reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Dr. Thomas Crisman, from the University of South Florida, will present a report on the anticipated changes in Florida because of climate change. Dr. Thomas Eason will present the FWC’s report on Florida’s wildlife and its changing habitats.

A panel discussion in the afternoon will feature specific species on the frontline of climate change, including marine, terrestrial and exotic species. The future of agriculture also will be on the agenda.

The first day will conclude with a panel discussion on habitat and species management, outdoor recreation, initiatives from the conservation community, legislative progress and communication strategies for public awareness.

Thursday’s session will open with Brennan, who will speak about management issues of wildlife and habitat in a changing climate.

Concurrent workshops, led by FWC’s top scientists, will focus on marine and inland ecosystems, hunting and fishing, native wildlife and habitats, invasive organisms and natural-resource management and land-use planning.

The event will continue on Friday morning with reports from the workshop facilitators. FWC Executive Director Ken Haddad will present the agency’s directive for Florida’s wildlife to conclude the three-day summit.

The early registration fee, prior to Aug. 4, is $175, which includes two breakfasts, two lunches and a reception. After Aug. 4, the fee is $195. The registration form may be found at www.ces.fau.edu/floc/ or by contacting Doreen DiCarlo at the Center for Environmental Studies at Florida Atlantic University, 561-799-8553 or 561-626-1404 (fax).