Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., his state ravaged by Hurricane Irma, ripped into those Republicans who minimize the impact of climate change, Politico reported.
Nelson maintained Irma was made even more dangerous by manmade global warming, according to Politico. He said the conditions made the waters around Florida higher and warmer, and he blasted the government for not addressing climate change.
"It's denying reality," Nelson said. "You can call it politics or whatever, but the Earth is getting hotter. This storm is another reminder of what we're going to have to deal with in the future."
And he told Politico climate change will be a key issue in his 2018 re-election campaign. The website noted current Gov. Rick Scott, R-Fla., is considered his likely opponent.
"It's certainly going to be an important issue, and if certain people – such as the one you mentioned is my opponent – there's a significant contrast in what we believe," Nelson said.
And he said those Republicans, who question climate change, need to explain why they believe "99.5 percent of climate scientists" are wrong. And he questioned why some people believe scientists whey they predict a hurricane is coming, but doubt the same sources on climate change.
"It's ironic, isn't it?" Nelson said. "They accept the hurricane information, but deny the climate information. . . . Look, some people still think the Earth is flat."
The Hill noted Nelson's comments came after the storm tore through Florida.
Millions of people were left without power and homes were damaged.
The website said President Donald Trump and his wife Melania were expected to survey the damage Thursday.
Related Issues:
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.