Supported by the Water School at FGCU
Are You Concerned About the Urgent and Hazardous Nature of Climate Change? This forum was the first in a two-part series addressing Climate Change, Issues, Solutions, and Sustainability in greater Estero.
Greg Tolley, Dean, The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University, will moderated the Forum.
Panel Members:
You’ll Learn:
Professor, Department of Marine and Earth Sciences, FGCU
Michael Savarese is a Distinguished Professor of Coastal Geology, Climate Resilience, & Preparation within the Department of Marine and Earth Sciences within Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water School. He has degrees in geoscience with background in coastal geology, paleontology, and sedimentology & stratigraphy. Throughout his years at FGCU, he has served as a liaison between scientists and managers/decision-makers.
Policy Director, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
Matt has a master’s degree in marine biology and a Juris Doctorate with environmental and ocean and coastal law certificates from the University of Oregon. His strong science and environmental law background support leading the policy team and advancing policies needed to improve water quality and protect our natural resources.
The Calusa Waterkeeper
Codty’s early background in reptiles, wetland restoration, and native plant landscaping, coupled with a career as a professional fishing guide, has created a unique collage of his in-the-field experience across local uplands, wetlands, estuaries, and nearshore Gulf waters. As a Waterkeeper, Codty’s mission is to protect and restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to Coastal Waters and a passion for uniting and protecting this unique watershed.
Graduate Student Year: 2nd
Major: Environmental Science
Jenny Morris is a second-year master’s student in Environmental Science at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). She is actively engaged in research focused on climate change in Southwest Florida. Jenny’s work utilizes advanced technologies, such as drone-based LiDAR, to study areas impacted by coastal changes. In addition to her research, she has gained valuable experience through internships and professional roles in environmental conservation in The Bahamas. Notably, she served as a Science Officer at the Bahamas National Trust, where she conducted ecological fieldwork.
