In recent years, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made a concerted effort to deny climate change by often calling it a hoax. He has refused to allow policies to combat climate change to take effect in the Sunshine State.
Now, critics of DeSantis have claimed that Florida is sinking — and the governor refuses to acknowledge this science.
Florida Will Continue to See Extreme Weather
Florida has always had to deal with unfortunate weather disasters, such as flooding events and hurricanes.
However, as the threat of climate change becomes a reality around much of the world, scientists have explained that Florida will continue to see an increase in extreme weather, which could devastate much of the state.
DeSantis Fights Against Climate Change Policies
DeSantis has long been against the idea of climate change. However, in just the last few months, his efforts to deny climate change have hit a new peak.
Recently, the governor signed a law stating that the phrase “climate change” — or anything similar — couldn’t be used in official government policies or documentation. Many have heavily criticized DeSantis for this move.
South Florida’s Flooding Problem
With each new year, more experts come out to explain that South Florida is increasingly having a flooding problem.
While South Florida has always had these sorts of flooding events, recent rainfalls just this year have been much worse than they’ve ever been, thanks to historic rainfall. These flooding situations may only get worse because of climate change.
Damage in South Florida From Flooding
Recently, massive flooding events left behind widespread damage throughout South Florida. Many homes and streets were damaged. Various residents were left stranded and had to be rescued.
This recent flooding situation has further fueled the need for help and assistance in hard-hit areas. Residents want to try to keep this from happening again.
DeSantis Gets Rid of Infrastructure Projects
However, Floridians may not find help from DeSantis. Recently, the governor has vetoed a variety of infrastructure projects — all because they were designed to combat climate change impacts.
One of these projects included flood defenses in Southern Florida, while another dealt with improving drainage systems in these high-risk areas.
Flooding and Sea Level Rises
Climate change has begun to impact Florida in a variety of different ways. Flooding has been seen in many regions, which has devastated many local communities.
Coastal communities may also soon suffer from rising sea levels, which could end up forcing thousands of residents to migrate and live elsewhere.
Extreme Weather Leads to No Home Insurance
Furthermore, many of these high-risk areas — regions of Florida that may see more flooding events or natural disasters such as hurricanes — have had to struggle during an ongoing home insurance crisis.
Many property insurers have decided to flee Florida, declining to renew thousands of home insurance policies in the process.
Florida Government Hasn’t Helped Homeowners
Homeowners have asked for help from Florida lawmakers, as many have found themselves unable to afford their incredibly expensive home insurance — or they have found themselves with no insurance to speak of.
So far, this crisis hasn’t been dealt with at all. Florida Democrats have largely blamed the Republicans in charge, such as DeSantis, for this issue.
Residents Call for Change
Public opinion on DeSantis’ moves can vary, particularly as some conservatives may continue to see climate change as a cultural issue, rather than a scientific one.
However, as more and more Floridians suffer from flooding, more have called for DeSantis to enact change.
Extreme Weather and Heat
While flooding remains a huge issue, weather experts have also explained that climate change will likely create stronger and deadlier hurricanes — and Florida could see quite a lot of them.
Meanwhile, excessive heat has hit many regions of Florida, putting its large senior citizen community at further risk.
Can DeSantis Help Florida?
Thanks to his denial of climate change, critics have stated that DeSantis is ill-equipped to truly help Florida during this incredibly difficult time.
Many locals who have been the hardest hit by these crises believe that the governor cannot handle these issues, as he won’t admit that climate change truly is impacting Florida.
