Agricultural and natural resource managers need climate information at the regional and local levels to address short- and long-term challenges posed by variable and changing climate. Because of the complex interplay between agricultural and natural resource vulnerabilities, risks, and opportunities, solutions will depend on integrated research, teaching, and extension programs, with decision-makers and other stakeholders included as partners in these programs. We will need new educational curricula, new research programs, and new communications tools to provide information that decision makers can use to manage risks and benefit from new opportunities.

One of the most challenging issues facing the ocean today is rapid coastal urbanization whose implications have yet to be assessed. Today, the majority of the world’s population lives within sixty kilometers of the coast line and this is steadily increasing. This profound demographic shift has significant implications for the coastal environment, inhabitants and ecosystem stability.

Compounding these challenges are the prospects of the vulnerabilities these regions face. Among these are climate change, sea level rise, new maritime security needs associated with increase transportation by sea, and the ever present danger of extreme events such as tropical storms and tsunamis. Accordingly, it is timely to address these topics in depth as we bring together public officials, nongovernmental organization, citizens and natural and social scientists to consider the values and vulnerabilities of coastal regions around the globe. The Coastal Cities Summit will occur in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA in November 17-20, 2008, and will be organized by the International Ocean Institute - USA.

A symposium discussing global energy challenges and the implications for the Americas. Roundtable discussions will include meeting global energy demand, meeting America's energy challenges with alternative fuels and new technologies, and a discussion of the role of biofuels in the Americas. Sessions will include presentations by senior members of industry, academia and government.

The Waste-to-Fuels Conference & Trade Show will provide a forum for informing the public and private sectors of the economic and environmental benefits of converting waste materials to alternative fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol as well as energy recovery.

The theme of the 2008 conference is “Innovations in Building for Hot and Humid Climates.” The specific focus of the conference is green or sustainable building along the Gulf Coast region, but the content includes broader issues of sustainability such as sustainable land use and global warming.

This intensive day-long training will help scientists and journalists communicate more effectively with each other and therefore with the public. By helping scientists and the media work more productively together, the conference will facilitate the flow of critical scientific information to the public and policy makers. The topic of this conference is the predicted effects of global climate change and the susceptibility of coastal Florida to a one-meter sea level rise.

The fourth annual Congress for the New Urbanism Florida Statewide Meeting will be held at Rollins College in downtown Winter Park on the 24 - 25 of January 2008. This year’s Statewide Meeting brings home CNU National’s message "New Urban is the convenient solution to the inconvenient truth." An essential element of the state chapter’s annual activities, this Statewide Meeting seeks to bridge the gap between the annual CNU national Congress and the regional group gatherings that have occurred regularly throughout Florida.

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT invites you to participate in the 8th National Conference on Science, Policy, and the Environment, Climate Change Science and Solutions to develop comprehensive strategies for protecting people and the planet against the impacts of global climate change.

The fourth in the series of conversations sponsored by Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Agricultural Commissioner Charles Bronson. Held in the Cabinet Meeting Room, Florida Capital, at 11:00 am.

An interactive two-day workshop where leaders from state university programs and private industry as well as federal, state and local government agencies will show you how to promote the use of renewable energy, plan developments that take advantage of natural systems, and meet housing and transportation demands.

Learn abou the Florida-UK partnership in alternative energy innovation and the different ways in which current and next generation renewable energy technologies are meeting the world's energy challenge.

For builders, developers, elected officials, planners, landscape architects and realtors to explore the opportunities, challenges and economic incentives for green development and building.

"Getting to GREEN" provides an opportunity for individuals from campuses, government, businesses, and communities to come together to share their experiences and challanges related to creating sustainability and a green culture. Presentations will focus on matters realting to Florida's economy, environment, and quality of life.