Climate Change

Florida is on the verge of repealing what’s left of a 16-year-old law that puts climate change as a priority when making energy policy decisions. Instead, a bill waiting for Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' signature would make energy affordability and availability the main focus.

Their proposal comes amid continued interest in expanding oil production within the Big Cypress National Preserve, an Everglades wilderness they consider sacred.

Climate change is heating oceans faster than the world's coral reefs can handle. So scientists are breeding corals that can withstand hotter temperatures – but only to a point.

Wetlands have generally kept pace with sea-level rise by building upward and creeping inland a few meters per year. But raised roadbeds, cities, farms and increasing land elevation can leave wetlands with nowhere to go.

New research published in the journal Nature showed the potential risk of a one-two combo of sinking land and rising seas to cities along the coast, and Miami topped the list as a location that could see quite a bit of flooded property by mid-century.

"Can’t Stop Change: Queer Climate Stories from the Florida Frontlines" premiered last weekend at the Tampa Bay Transgender Film Festival. It follows the film's production team on a road trip across Florida to meet with 14 LGBTQ+ artists, organizers and activists.

Emails show the office of Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested wording that would have banned all wind energy in the state.

The organism that causes red tide was found at trace levels in three counties last week.

FIU researchers are experimenting with "floating wetlands" to improve the water quality of Miami's canals.

At the Aspen Ideas: Climate summit, experts from cities that have been battered by climate change and sea-level rise gathered to share what their experiences and offer a road map of sorts for South Florida.

Fort Lauderdale is seeking input from experts with the Urban Land Institute, a nonprofit organization made up of land-use experts who also have offered guidance to other cities vulnerable to flooding, including New Orleans, Boston, New York City, Chicago and El Paso.

Research shows the soaring costs hint at widespread, unpriced risk as the global climate warms, with states like California, Florida and Louisiana hit hardest.