Top officials at the Florida state agency tasked with studying and planning for the impacts of climate change are taking a novel approach to avoiding the issue.
Tristram Korten reports that employees of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) "have been ordered not to use the term 'climate change' or 'global warming' in any official communications, emails, or reports…" That information is confirmed by "former DEP employees, consultants, volunteers and records obtained by the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting."
The unwritten policy was enacted by high-level officials within the DEP, "after Gov. Rick Scott took office in 2011 and appointed Herschel Vinyard Jr. as the DEP’s director…" Vinyard has since resigned, but neither he not his successor, Scott Stevenson, would comment for the article.
A representative from the DEP's press office flatly denied that such a policy exists.
FULL STORY: In Florida, officials ban term 'climate change'
Tampa Bay Isn't Prepared for the Hurricanes of the Future
The area is especially vulnerable to storm surge, and increased development means more people are at risk when major hurricanes push through.
Climate Gentrification in Miami
With the threat of sea level rise, homes on higher ground in Miami are becoming increasingly desirable. But they are located in low-income communities of color, and residents are facing rising housing costs and displacement.
Climate Negligence in Florida?
In advance of Hurricane Irma's landfall in Florida, Governor Rick Scott worked non-stop urging residents to leave mandatory evacuation zones. But what has he done to prepare since he took office in 2011?
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service