DeSantis: humans are ‘safer than ever’ from effects of climate change

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🗞️ Driving the news: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, during an energy policy discussion in Midland, Texas, stated that humans are “safer than ever” from the impacts of climate change, attributing increased resilience to climate disasters to access to reliable electricity
• Meanwhile, the WHO has termed climate change “the biggest health threat facing humanity” 

🔭 The context: DeSantis’ remark come amidst recent severe weather events impacting Florida, including Hurricane Idalia, which left more than 245,000 individuals without power and caused four fatalities last month

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: While the advancements in forecasting and infrastructure have indeed reduced the death rate from climate-related disasters, the frequency and intensity of these disasters are on a rising trend due to climate change
• Governor DeSantis' statements underplay the ongoing and future threats posed by climate change, potentially slowing the imperative actions needed to mitigate these risks

⏭️ What’s next: With climate change creating escalating global challenges, actions and policies are necessary that are reflective of the scientific consensus on climate impacts, rather than downplaying the risks involved

💬 One quote: “In reality, human beings are safer than ever from climate disasters. The death rate for climate disasters has declined by 98 percent over the last hundred years, and the No. 1 reason for that is people that have had access to reliable electricity, have power.” (Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida)

📈 One stat: The WHO projects that climate change could result in approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress

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