Schedule.

9:00 - 9:30   ...General address by Stephen Mulkey
9:30 - 10:30   ...Discussion of Dr. Mulkey’s address > discussion of program questions
10:30 - 10:45   ...Break
10:45 - Noon   ...Discussion of questions
Noon - 1:00     ...Lunch, served in the lobby
1:00 - 2:45     ...Discussion of questions
2:45 - 3:00   ...Break
3:00 - 5:00 ...Final discussion of questions

General Plan.

Dr. Stephen Mulkey will give us an overview of global warming and its effects. We'll react with questions and observations until we're satisfied with our level of understanding, or for an hour; whichever comes first.

Then we shall proceed to discuss a series of questions addressing our adaptation to climate change in this region. Panelists will be given first crack at the questions, audience members may speak next. The questions will be displayed, along with the points, positions, and proposed resolutions coming from the discussion.

After we have provided whatever points and positions we think are significant, we shall go on to consider the proposed resolutions. Approval of resolution is by consensus. We have three choices:

1. Consent to the resolution
2. Abstain if we have no opinion or insufficient knowledge to judge
3. Block if we feel there is sufficient cause to disapprove the resolution

We shall continue discussion until we have understood people’s objections, and they understand why a reasonable person might propose such a resolution (even if they don’t agree). A single block is enough to sink a resolution.

Ground Rules.

1. If you wish to speak please go to the microphone in the aisle.
2. Stick to the question displayed on the screen.
3. Focus on providing a relevant point, a position on the question, or a resolution for consideration.
4. Be patient with the person at the computer, who will shrink your points, positions, and resolutions down to a few words to remind us of what you said.
5. Criticize what someone said but not the person who said it.

Questions.

1. What is the community’s obligation to the people and organizations of our lower-lying areas, which would be displaced by a sea level rise of more than a few inches?

How should we act with regard to the possibility that a sea level rise of several feet will create millions of environmental refugees from South Florida?

2. What issues will we encounter as we organize our city’s migration west in anticipation of sea level rise?

3. Do we foresee that citizens will have an increasing obligation to provide at least some of their own energy (though solar arrays or other means) and water (though cisterns), or should that be centrally managed?

4. As the local production of food becomes more difficult, due to changes in temperature and rainfall; and as transporting food becomes more difficult; what is the public obligation to provide food? If we have such an obligation, how shall it be fulfilled?

What might be the public commitments necessary to ensure, for example, adequate seafood production in the region?

5. What is the role of UNF, and of other local educational institutions, in a region adapting to global warming? Might their mission change?

6. As the general environment of the Jacksonville area changes, along with implications for our food and water supply, our economy, and our housing and transportation choices; how do we maintain the kind of community that's necessary to a successful adaptation?

These questions will be displayed on a large screen in the auditorium. The panelists will provide their responses to these questions, followed by general discussion among the audience.

We will display the points and positions brought forth and see if we can come to consensus on resolutions concerning the questions. The requirement for consensual approval means that we may end up with no resolutions, but the format should stimulate the discussion.