James Bruggers - Inside Climate News

Gov. Ron DeSantis has touted a record amount of spending to help his state prepare for the effects of climate change. But his policy on that front is coming under scrutiny by many residents still reeling from Hurricane Ian.

Hurricane experts say forecasting storm intensity remains a big challenge. That’s especially true in an era of climate change that scientists say is likely producing more powerful and deadly storms.

Tucked among scattered pine and cypress trees near Orlando, Florida, a 175-foot-tall mountain of coal ash looms as a stark representation of this booming region's reliance on fossil fuels.

Florida's resilience officer left early last year. Now, Gov. Ron DeSantis's office says it no longer has a dedicated chief science officer either.

In Florida, officials fear widespread confusion when stay-at-home policies conflict with evacuation orders, and they worry about the coronavirus spreading in crowded shelters.