Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC -- Late yesterday, Senator Bill Nelson of Florida called out those who continue to deny climate change despite hurricanes ravaging our coastal states and wildfires tearing through the West. “It’s denying reality,” Nelson said. “You can call it politics or whatever, but the Earth is getting hotter. This storm (Irma) is another reminder of what we’re going to have to deal with in the future.”
In response, Sierra Club Legislative Director Melinda Pierce released the following statement:
“Donald Trump and Scott Pruitt were quick to heed scientists’ warnings on the strength of the hurricane, but apparently their heads are buried too far in the sand while the sea levels are rising to listen to the scientists warning us about the rapid increase in climate-fueled disasters. People in Florida, across the Southeast and the Caribbean have been flooded out of their homes, people in the West have seen their homes go up in flames, communities have been devastated, and lives have been lost, but Trump and Pruitt would prefer to act as if there isn’t a problem at all. Senator Nelson is absolutely right to speak out about the climate crisis and the crisis of climate denial. Catastrophes like Harvey, Irma, and the wildfires out West are just further proof that the American people cannot afford yet another politician refusing to admit that climate change is real.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.