This event is an activity of the State University Research Commercialization Assistance Grant. Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, and the University of Florida, joint recipients of this grant, initiated this effort based on our shared desire for cooperation on climate change. The impacts of climate change; sea level rise; temperature changes and changes in the amount, distribution and intensity of rainfall represent challenges to Florida’s economy, environment, and the livelihoods of its citizens. We in the State University System (SUS), have a responsibility to bring the most current scientific findings together toward understanding, mitigating and adapting to a changing environment. We also have the responsibility of communicating inside and outside the classroom the knowledge about climate change, sea level rise, and societal response options to what is, arguably, one of the greatest challenges of our time. As part of this project, the State Universities have collaborated in 4 working groups over the past 8 months to produce white papers that will be presented in today’s program. In addition to the white papers, a State-wide database of university climate expertise has been created and will continually be updated with new profiles. The topics of the white papers are: • Biodiversity and Land Use • Climate Scenarios for Florida • Education, Training, and Outreach on Climate Change • Water Management and Coastal County Adaptation