DeSantis signs bill removing climate change as a priority in Florida's energy policy

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill removing climate change as a policy priority in the state, saying the decision "restores sanity in our approach to energy and rejects the agenda of the radical green zealots."

Concretely, the bill bans offshore wind turbines and boosts natural gas production. It's set to go into effect on July 1 and deletes most mentions of climate change, seeking to reverse many policies introduced during a previous administration.

The new law will focus on "an adequate, reliable and cost-effective supply of energy for the state in a manner that promotes the health and welfare of the public and economic growth." It comes as the state faces historical temperature records, among other effects of climate change being felt by Florida at the moment.

The National Weather Service warned this week that South Florida could expect temperatures well above the average as well as "hazardous" heat indexes. Axios recalled that the state is also facing other threats from rising sea levels and ocean temperatures, as well as tougher hurricane seasons and toxic algae blooms.

In 2023, Florida saw its warmest year since 1895, with surface temperatures reaching as high as 177 degrees Fahrenheit in certain areas,

The phenomenon is happening at a global level, as temperatures continue to rise globally. March 2024 marked the hottest March on record, extending a streak of setting all-time highs for the 10th consecutive month.

Latin America and the Caribbean also had their warmest year on record in 2023 as a "double-whammy" of El Nino and climate change caused major weather calamities

Droughts, heatwaves, extreme rainfall and a record-breaking hurricane had major impacts on health, food and energy security, and economic development, the UN body said in a report.

The report said the mean temperature for 2023 was the highest on record, with Mexico experiencing the fastest warming rate in the region.