A new report on sea-level rise by the Union of Concerned Scientists concludes that several Tampa Bay communities will see more and more sunny-day flooding over the next few decades; we also hear from two of the candidates running for Florida governor about climate change and sea-level rise.
Here’s how Republican Adam Putnam responded last May when WMNF News asked him about the major air pollutant causing climate change.
WMNF: If you’re Florida Governor, what do you think the Florida Governor should do about reducing carbon dioxide emissions?
Putnam: “Well, certainly any policy of that size should be federal in nature, so that we don’t put Florida jobs at risk vis a vis other states and other countries. I’m focused on making the launchpad for the American dream. We can be the magnet for talent from all over, for people to raise their families here, start their businesses here and grow their businesses here. And that is the focus that any governor should make their number one priority.”
WMNF: So if the federal government does nothing, you’re OK with that?
Putnam: “Let’s see what the federal government does.”
Listen:
Another candidate, former Miami-Beach Mayor Philip Levine, has a different take on climate change and sea-level rise. Here’s how the Democrat responded when WMNF asked him about those things this month:
Listen:
Our two guests spoke about a new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). It’s about sea-level rise and called “When Rising Seas Hit Home.” It includes some sea-level rise and flooding predictions for several Tampa Bay area communities. Our guests were Dr. Astrid Caldas, a UCS senior climate scientist and lead author of the report and Erika Spanger-Siegfried, a UCS senior climate analyst.
Listen to that interview here:
We also looked at efforts to re-draw Tampa City Council district lines – and whether Latino representation will be affected. Tampa has four, single-member City Council districts. Joining us in the studio was Victor DiMaio. He is an advocate for making sure that Hispanics are represented.
There is a meeting on Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the County Center, 18th Floor. 601 East Kennedy Boulevard in downtown Tampa. It will be televised on HTV.
Listen to the full show here:
Watch the interview:
