By tf-lawyer.com Advocates are raising alarms about Governor Ron DeSantis’s ability to effectively manage emergency planning as Florida braces for Hurricane Milton, which could be one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the state. Critics argue that his policies, perceived as exacerbating climate change, hinder his capacity to safeguard Floridians during crises.
As the hurricane nears, DeSantis has been actively addressing the public through various media outlets, outlining evacuation orders and preparation measures. Yet, activists contend that his track record on climate issues calls into question his ability to lead effectively during such emergencies. Matthew Grocholske, a 20-year-old campaign strategy lead with the youth-led Sunrise Movement in Orlando, remarked, “Florida isn’t safe with DeSantis at the helm of our state government.”
This impending storm follows closely on the heels of the devastating Hurricane Helene and has sparked criticism from environmentalists who are concerned about DeSantis’s enthusiastic support for fossil fuels and his dismissal of climate change. Julia Friedland, the governor’s deputy press secretary, characterized the critics as “despicable,” particularly in light of the impending storm.
With Hurricane Milton classified as a Category 5 storm, DeSantis is urging residents in the storm’s path to evacuate while assuring them that the state is ready for a significant impact. However, climate advocates are emphasizing that the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes like Helene and Milton are directly connected to the ongoing climate crisis, which they argue is being worsened by DeSantis’s policies.
Delaney Reynolds, a climate resilience PhD student at the University of Miami, didn’t hold back in her criticism, labeling DeSantis “the worst governor in Florida’s history” in terms of climate action. From early in his political career, DeSantis has resisted initiatives aimed at tackling climate change, notably voting against measures designed to enhance flood insurance protections after Hurricane Sandy.
Despite previous commitments to safeguard Florida’s natural resources, DeSantis has recently pursued policies that bolster fossil fuel interests while dismissing climate change as simply a “woke” agenda. Although the link between rising ocean temperatures and intensified storms is well-established, DeSantis has previously rebuffed the idea that climate change is linked to extreme weather events.
In August, his administration faced backlash for the controversial Great Outdoors Initiative, which proposed the development of state parks alongside hotels and golf courses. Earlier in May, he signed legislation that removed most climate change references from state law and redirected energy policy away from renewables, focusing instead on reinforcing infrastructure against various threats.
During his presidential campaign for 2024, DeSantis committed to increasing domestic fossil fuel production and has opposed electric vehicle mandates—decisions that critics warn could significantly boost greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, reports indicate he facilitated a ban on wind energy infrastructure and endorsed legislation favorable to the gas industry, complicating Florida’s approach to climate change.
Yoca Arditi-Rocha, executive director of the Cleo Institute, shared her deep concerns: “The Florida we grew up loving is slipping away with each storm, and DeSantis is ignoring that.” She stressed the need for a direct approach to the climate crisis rather than relying solely on conservation measures.
Although DeSantis has initiated conservation efforts, like funding for Everglades restoration and combating harmful algae blooms, critics argue these initiatives barely counterbalance his pro-fossil fuel policies. “Climate change is this overflowing bathroom, and DeSantis is coming in with towels,” Arditi-Rocha highlighted, urging that the root issues must be addressed instead of just managing the symptoms.
Reynolds further warned that DeSantis’s actions risk both economic stability and human lives, suggesting that failure to address the core causes of climate change could lead to catastrophic financial losses for Florida in future generations. “He should be given a special merit of honor for so overtly failing to address the cause of our climate crisis,” she concluded.
