In 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis outlawed the use of the term “climate change” in any state documentation. By removing the term, DeSantis effectively removed climate action from the conversation, leaving Florida’s government blind to the most pressing issue in Florida. Under his administration, critical climate and environmental issues have been sidelined. In his mind, it appears he thinks that by banning the term, he can ban the reality. Unfortunately, you may not be focused on climate change, but climate change is focused on you. Governor Ron DeSantis has repeatedly shown himself more interested in advancing his presidential ambitions than in confronting the crisis climate of environmental collapse. The more that extreme weather threatens Florida, the more time Governor DeSantis spends on the campaign trail dodging real discussions about climate action. In fact, rather than acknowledging the scientific consensus on climate change, DeSantis has actively worked to undermine it. He has dismissed climate concerns as ‘ideology-driven’, and he panders to the interests of fossil fuels by rushing legislation that weakens environmental protections and fast-tracks natural gas infrastructure. It has been this sort of climate denial that has led hurricanes , such as Ian, to strengthen and cut paths of devastation across Florida. Meanwhile, there has been absolutely no effort by his administration to address the causes. By ignoring and undermining the reality of climate change, DeSantis isn’t merely failing to prepare Florida for the increasing regularity and strength of hurricanes; but instead prolongs the very policies that accelerate this crisis. Floridians require a leader who will go toe-to-toe with this problem, not exploit it for political gain while ignoring the real damage done to the state long-term. Meanwhile, the insurance costs of Floridians have gone through the roof, as hurricanes are much more destructive and frequent, while state government […]