A Climate Change 'Paradigm Shift' in Florida

Even Republicans are talking about climate change in Florida since former Governor Rick Scott left office.

1 minute read

October 18, 2019, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Florida Climate Change

Flooding in Miami Beach in the wake of Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. | meunierd / Shutterstock

"For the first time in a decade, a Florida Senate committee scheduled a meeting Monday to discuss the impact of climate change on the peninsula state," according to an article by Mary Ellen Klas.

In addition to the surprise of the convening, a Republican on the committee had some surprise words on the subject of climate change. "'We lost a decade,' said Sen. Tom Lee, the Thonotosassa Republican who chairs the Committee on Infrastructure and Security."

"He began the 90-minute hearing with three words that have not come from the lips of a Republican state senator in years: 'Sea level rise,'" adds Klas.

Lee also says there have been a paradigm shift since Governor Ron Desantis, also a Republican, entered office. Governor DeSantis has even appointed a chief resilience officer for the state.

Astute observers will recall that the previous Republican governor of the state, Rick Scott, banned the words "climate change" and "global warming" from the official documents, emails, and reports during his tenure.

It's still unclear how far the state and its Republican political will go to mitigate and adapt to the expected impacts of climate change and sea level rise.

Monday, October 14, 2019 in Miami Herald

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

For Lease painted on window of vacant commercial space.

2024: The Year in Zoning

Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.

January 8, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Colorado flags draped between buildings in downtown Denver, Colorado.

Denver Pauses Multifamily Development in Westside Neighborhoods Amidst Gentrification Concerns

City officials say the pause on permits for redevelopment projects aims to stop the displacement of long-term residents.

January 9, 2025 - Governing

24-hour parking sign above parking garage entrance through which you can see a white SUV driving

Comprehensive Parking Supply, Cost, and Price Analysis

Every time somebody purchases a vehicle they expect governments and businesses to provide parking for their use. These facilities are costly. For every dollar motorists spend on their vehicles somebody spends about a dollar on parking.

3 hours ago - Comprehensive Parking Supply, Cost and Price Analysis

Red and white "Wildfire Evacuation Route" sign on signpost.

Learning From Wildfire Evacuations

Researchers are working to understand how people behave during wildfire events and how to most effectively get people to safety during deadly fires.

4 hours ago - Wired

Empty large outdoor parking lot with green trees in background.

Parking Reform Yields New Housing

As more cities eliminate or reduce their minimum parking requirements, the impact on housing supply is coming into focus.

5 hours ago - The New York Times

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.