Florida is facing a serious threat from climate change, but Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a law that removes the words “climate change” from state statutes. The law also takes away climate change mitigation and clean energy goals from the state’s policy priorities. Experts say this decision will hurt the people of Florida the most.

Florida is very vulnerable to the effects of global warming, such as hurricanes, flooding, and rising sea levels. Last year, Florida had the most hurricanes of any state in the country. Home insurance costs are also the highest in the nation.

Public health experts have found that elderly and low-income Americans suffer the most from climate-related disasters. Florida has a large population of both elderly people and those living in poverty. Two-thirds of Floridians live near the coasts, which puts them at risk.

Despite this, the new law follows the Republican Party’s belief that climate change is not a real issue. This is known as the “ostrich effect,” where people ignore a problem and hope it disappears.

Ignoring climate risks in Florida

However, ignoring climate change only makes it more dangerous. Florida has already experienced many costly natural disasters in recent years. Experts predict that flooding from rising sea levels will happen much more often in the coming decades.

This puts Florida’s economy at risk, as real estate makes up much of the state’s GDP. The effects of climate change denial in Florida will also impact the rest of the country. As more Floridians file flood damage claims, taxpayers across America will have to pay for the consequences of the state’s new law.

Other states led by climate change deniers are facing similar risks. Some have even tried to ban climate change education or discourage criticism of fossil fuels. Experts say we must address both the causes and effects of climate disasters.

The main causes are fossil fuel use and building in areas prone to disasters. Some suggest that Congress should stop providing federal disaster aid to states that ignore the realities of climate change.