Rick Scott Still Ignoring Realities of Climate Change

The Governor’s Hurricane Conference continues today, a day after Rick Scott spoke, and there were some glaring omissions from the agenda and his speech including no mention of climate change and the science that exacerbates severe weather including hurricanes, as Scott continues to deny the realities that put Florida at risk.

As Rick Scott continues to deny and ignore the realities of climate change that threaten Florida, Florida Democratic Party spokesman Sebastian Kitchen released the following statement:

“With storms and flooding already brewing in Florida, before hurricane season even starts, it’s alarming Rick Scott addressed the hurricane conference without even mentioning, much less trying to address, climate change. Scott’s record on the environment is abysmal – slashing relevant agencies and not even allowing his staff to say climate change – but his actions and inactions on climate are dangerous. Rick Scott has always puts himself and his donors first, at the expense of Florida, our environment and our most precious resources.”

Rick Scott’s Record on Climate Change

Miami Herald Editorial: Why Is It So Hard For State Officials In Florida To Respect Science When It Comes To Climate Change And Sea Level Rise?

“But if science is to be trusted when it comes to hurricanes, why is it so hard for state officials in Florida and federal officials in the Trump administration to respect science when it comes to climate change and sea-level rise? … This is all too predictable when the governor who is the host of this 32nd Annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference is Rick Scott, famous for allegedly banning the words ‘global warming’ and ‘climate change’ from all state correspondence. But this head-in-the-sand attitude must end.” [Miami Herald, 5/12/2018]

Miami Herald: Florida DEP Officials Were Ordered Not To Use Terms ‘Climate Change,’ ‘Global Warming’ In Any Official Communications

“DEP officials have been ordered not to use the term ‘climate change’ or ‘global warming’ in any official communications, emails, or reports, according to former DEP employees, consultants, volunteers and records obtained by the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting. The policy goes beyond semantics and has affected reports, educational efforts and public policy in a department with about 3,200 employees and $1.4 billion budget.” [The Miami Herald, 3/8/15]

Tampa Bay Times Scott Said He Had Not Been Convinced If Global Warming Was Real

“Asked if he believes in global warming, Scott said no. ‘I have not been convinced,’ he said.” [Tampa Bay Times, 7/26/10]

The Tampa Tribune: Scott Refused To Say Whether He Accepted Conclusions About Human Activity And Climate Change

“After a meeting with climate scientists to talk about global warming, Gov. Rick Scott still won’t say whether he accepts the conclusions of science about human activity and climate change. Instead, Scott says he wants to focus not (on) causation so much as solutions.” [The Tampa Tribune, 8/21/14]

Miami Herald: Scott On Climate Change: ‘Well, I’m Not A Scientist.’

“Q: In 2011 or 2010, you were much more doubtful about climate change. Now you’re sounding less doubtful about man-made climate change because now you’re not saying ‘Look, I doubt the science.’ Now you’re saying: ‘I’m not a scientist.’ Am I right in guessing that? Scott: ‘Well, I’m not a scientist. But I can tell you what we’ve accomplished. We put a lot of effort into making sure that we take care of our natural treasures – the Everglades, making sure water flows south, any flooding around our coast. So we’re doing the right thing.” [The Miami Herald, 5/27/14]