florida
Newsletter
Florida bans the sale of lab-grown meat
Florida has become the first state to ban lab-grown meat, sparking a heated debate on food innovation and public health.
In short:
- Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1084, making it illegal to sell, manufacture or distribute cultivated meat in Florida.
- A person could face 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500 if they are found guilty of breaking the law.
- Upside Foods and GOOD Meat, companies authorized to sell lab-grown meat accused the law of protecting traditional agriculture interests.
Key quote:
"We believe that cultivated meat is essential for the future of food and people should have the right to choose what they eat."
— Dr. Uma Valeti, CEO and founder of Upside Foods.
Why this matters:
Banning cultivated meat could stifle innovation and limits consumer choice. As lab-grown meat could offer environmental and ethical benefits, such legislation may hinder progress towards more sustainable food production methods.
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Florida's new law mandates flood history disclosure for homebuyers
Florida's new law requires home sellers to disclose flood history to buyers, aiming to mitigate risks in vulnerable areas.
In short:
- The law mandates that sellers provide flood history information, including past insurance claims and federal aid, before a sales contract is executed.
- Florida was one of 18 states without a flood disclosure requirement, despite being highly susceptible to flooding due to climate change.
- While the law is a step forward, it has loopholes and does not require disclosure if no insurance claim was filed or if the property is in a flood zone.
Key quote:
“Having the information will help buyers make more informed and better decisions about protecting what is likely to be their single biggest asset, their homes.”
— Rachel Cleetus, policy director of the Union for Concerned Scientists
Why this matters:
Disclosing flood history helps protect buyers and could prompt better planning decisions in flood-prone areas. However, gaps in the law may leave some risks unaddressed, highlighting the need for more comprehensive measures.
Related EHN coverage:
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Hurricane Ian disrupts IVF treatment for Florida couple
A Florida couple's hopes for a baby were shattered when Hurricane Ian forced the cancellation of their long-awaited IVF procedure.
In short:
- Kirsti and Justin Mahon had spent years and significant financial resources on IVF to overcome infertility.
- Their final embryo transfer was canceled due to Hurricane Ian, causing emotional and financial strain.
- IVF clinics, like many infrastructures, are vulnerable to climate change-induced storms, complicating already delicate procedures.
Key quote:
“Clearly, climate change means you are having more extreme weather events, and [I] think that, like every other part of society, from homeowners to hospitals, fertility clinics have to think a bit more about how they can build more resilient systems.”
— Scott Tipton, chief advocacy and policy officer with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine
Why this matters:
Climate change is intensifying storms, disrupting critical medical treatments like IVF. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the need for resilient healthcare infrastructure grows, impacting the emotional and physical well-being of vulnerable individuals and families.
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Credit: meunierd/Big Stock Photo
Meteorologist criticizes DeSantis for removing climate change references from state law
A Miami TV meteorologist criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing a bill that removes most references to climate change from state law.
In short:
- Steve MacLaughlin of NBC Miami condemned the new measure on social media, citing the urgency of climate change impacts on Florida.
- MacLaughlin highlighted extreme weather statistics, emphasizing the connection between local heat records and climate change.
- The meteorologist encouraged voters to research candidates' stances on climate change and make informed decisions.
Key quote:
“This is happening. If someone tells you it’s not happening, they are either mistaken, or they are lying to you.”
— Steve MacLaughlin, meteorologist for NBC Miami
Why this matters:
Florida faces increasing threats from climate change, including extreme heat, hurricanes, and flooding. Ignoring climate change in state policies may hinder effective responses to these growing risks.
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Credit: Brian Garrett/Flickr
Florida's wildlife corridor holds the key to mitigating climate change and development
A new study reveals that Florida’s Wildlife Corridor, if fully completed, will provide critical protection against climate change impacts while also balancing the state's rapid population growth.
In short:
- Florida's growing population and rising temperatures pose significant challenges, but the Wildlife Corridor could mitigate these impacts.
- The corridor can protect floodplains, which help absorb rainwater and reduce flooding from hurricanes and storms.
- Two growth plans, "sprawl" and "conservation," show that compact development can save more rural land, supporting the corridor's preservation.
Key quote:
“We need to have policies that integrate climate resilience into land-use planning. That includes local land-use planning of cluster development, and developing in areas that are of lesser environmental value and protecting areas that are of higher environmental value.”
— Meredith Budd, Live Wildly Foundation
Why this matters:
Completing the Florida Wildlife Corridor will safeguard the state's floodplains, support wildlife, and help Florida buffer against climate change while absorbing a growing population. Read more: Embracing rainwater through green infrastructure.
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Credit: Lance Asper/Unsplash
Florida may soon omit 'climate change' from state laws
Florida is poised to remove references to climate change in state laws, focusing instead on energy affordability and security, a shift led by Governor Ron DeSantis.
In short:
- The proposed legislation reverses previous policies that prioritized climate change in energy decisions, introduced by former Governor Charlie Crist.
- Critics, including Crist now a Democrat, express concerns over Florida's vulnerability to sea-level rise, criticizing the timing of the policy shift.
- The bill, supported by Republicans and opposed by Democrats, must be signed or vetoed by DeSantis by May 15.
Key quote:
“It’s disappointing to see a continuing lurch in the wrong direction, particularly when Florida, with our coastline, is probably the most vulnerable to rising sea levels, I mean if we don’t address it, who’s going to? It breaks my heart.”
— Former Governor Charlie Crist
Why this matters:
This legislative change could significantly impact Florida, a state especially at risk from rising sea levels and severe weather. Shifting focus from climate change to energy affordability may undermine efforts to address these environmental challenges.
In 2022, Peter Dykstra urged us to treat climate deniers as accomplices.
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Strategies evolve as ocean heat threatens coral survival in Florida
As rising ocean temperatures continue to stress coral reefs in Florida, conservationists are adopting new strategies to enhance coral resilience.
Amudalat Ajasa, Whitney Leaming, and Carolyn Van Houten report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Conservationists, facing prolonged marine heat waves, are prioritizing the restoration of heat-resistant coral species.
- Innovative techniques, including relocating nurseries to cooler waters, are being tested to combat the escalating coral bleaching.
- Last year’s extensive coral bleaching has spurred a reevaluation of coral restoration tactics amid fears of recurring heat extremes.
Key quote:
"Returning these corals felt a bit like a loved one leaving the hospital."
— Sam Burrell, senior reef restoration associate at the Coral Restoration Foundation
Why this matters:
Marine heat waves, no longer just occasional natural phenomena but increasingly common events, pose a severe risk to the biodiversity of our oceans. The response from those on the frontlines has been to focus their efforts on restoring species of coral that possess a remarkable trait: heat resistance. These hardier breeds offer a glimmer of hope, a potential bulwark against the rising temperatures. The success of these conservation strategies could dictate the future health of marine life and the communities that depend on them.
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