Florida Republican for governor wants to have it both ways on climate

https://thinkprogress.org/florida-governor-climate-change-gillum-desantis-814aef8d6322/

Amid increasingly tight polling in Florida’s gubernatorial race, Republican Ron DeSantis is emphasizing his environmental bonafides, even as he refuses to fully acknowledge climate change. That green push comes as his opponent, Democrat Andrew Gillum, continues to net support from environmental advocates and organizations.

During a visit to the Everglades on Wednesday, DeSantis touted his commitment to the numerous environmental issues facing Florida, a coastal and low-lying state where climate issues are a leading concern. Sea-level rise in particular poses a catastrophic risk for South Florida and DeSantis singled out the issue — even as he pushed back on embracing long-established climate science.

“I am not in the pew of the global warming leftist,” DeSantis told reporters, calling himself a “Teddy Roosevelt conservationist.” This was followed by him reportedly emphasizing, “I’m not a global warming person. I don’t want that label on me.”

Still, he went on to acknowledge the realities of South Florida. “The sea rise may be because of human activity and the changing climate, maybe it is not, I do not know,” DeSantis said. “What I do know is I see the sea rising. I see the increase in flooding in South Florida. I think you would be a fool to not consider that is an issue we need to address.”


So sick of these climate change denying Republicans.