COJ-UNF Jacksonville Environmental Symposium

The COJ-UNF Jacksonville Environmental Symposium, organized by the Institute of Environmental Research and Education in collaboration with the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board, serves as a significant annual event dedicated to discussions on environmental policy, sustainability, and resilience. This symposium brings together community members, regulatory agencies, scholars, and innovators to foster dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders involved in environmental protection and improvement. The event aims to enhance communication and collaboration to protect natural resources and improve the quality of life in Northeast Florida.Attendees of the symposium have the opportunity to participate in keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and networking with exhibitors. The event is designed to create an atmosphere where government agencies, utilities, and innovators can engage in meaningful discussions and share insights. UNF students are actively involved as volunteers, assisting with breakout sessions while also networking with representatives from private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Notable speakers include Karen Patterson, Ph.D., UNF Executive Vice President and Provost, who delivers welcoming remarks, and Ashantae Green, the City of Jacksonville's first Sustainability Officer, who presents the morning keynote address on the Clean Air North Florida Climate Action Plan. The previous symposium, held in 2026, featured a progressive agenda that provided education, updates, and goals, including a luncheon keynote from Jothsna Harris, founder of Change Narrative Consulting LLC. Overall, the symposium represents an essential platform for discussion and collaboration in the field of environmental science and policy in Jacksonville.