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As Florida deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Governor Ron DeSantis is facing growing pressure from environmental activists and scientists who claim climate change is fueling stronger hurricanes. However, DeSantis has pushed back against these claims, stating during a media briefing in Port St. Lucie that hurricanes are a historical part of Florida's weather pattern, especially during hurricane season. "There is precedent for all this in history," he said. "It is hurricane season. You are going to have tropical weather."

 

Scientists have repeatedly stated that the warming planet, caused by fossil fuel emissions, is directly linked to rising ocean temperatures, which in turn strengthens hurricanes. Jeff Chanton, a professor of environmental science and oceanography at Florida State University, pointed out that the connection between warmer waters and more intense hurricanes is well-documented in scientific literature. "He is assuming that this is all cyclical, whereas many scientists believe there is a trend towards stronger hurricanes and increased intensification,"

 

Chanton remarked, referencing five scientific papers that support his view. Despite DeSantis's statements, Chanton is unsure where the governor is sourcing his historical hurricane data. When asked for further information, the governor’s office did not provide the requested details.

 

Hurricane Milton, which hit Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm, has reignited debates over climate change, particularly as it comes just two weeks after Hurricane Helene struck northern Florida. Environmentalists are seizing the moment to bring climate change to the forefront of political discussions, especially with the upcoming elections. Some are calling for candidates to take more decisive action on the issue.

 

DeSantis, however, has long been skeptical of climate change. Earlier this year, he signed legislation removing climate goals from Florida’s state statutes. He remains firm in his belief that the current storms are part of a natural weather cycle, emphasizing, "There is nothing new under the sun."

 

The debate has even extended to the Florida Senate race between Republican Senator Rick Scott and Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Scott acknowledged in a recent CNN interview that "the climate is clearly changing," though his past comments suggest skepticism about the left’s approach to climate policy. His spokesperson, Chris Hartline, pointed out that Scott's stance has remained consistent, referencing a 2019 op-ed in which Scott described climate change as “real and requiring real solutions,” but criticized the left for making it "a religion."

 

In the broader political landscape, Vice President Kamala Harris has also criticized former President Donald Trump for spreading misinformation about the recent storms. Trump has blamed the federal response to Hurricane Milton as a failure, despite some members of his own party disputing his claims.

 

Hurricane Milton developed quickly off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, becoming a Category 5 storm before weakening upon its Florida landfall. DeSantis cited the 1930s Labor Day hurricane, stating it was "head and shoulders above any powerful hurricane we’ve had in the state of Florida." He urged people to consider the historical context of hurricanes rather than view each storm as evidence of climate change.

 

As the governor dismissed claims that the government could control the weather, joking that he would opt for “78 and sunny year round” if he had such power, Chanton offered a different perspective. "As the oceans become warmer, we can expect that hurricanes will respond to distribute that heat," he explained. “And one of their responses is to be stronger.”

The clash between those focused on long-term climate trends and leaders like DeSantis who prioritize historical weather patterns is likely to continue as hurricanes increase in intensity and political divisions over climate change grow sharper.

 

Based on a report from Politico 2024-10-12