In a bold move during a time of escalating harassment and threats towards climate communicators, South Florida TV meteorologist, Steve MacLaughlin, recently criticized new legislation that removed numerous references to climate change from state law. He took the opportunity to urge viewers to exercise their right to vote and elect candidates who believe in climate change and its solutions.

During a segment on May 18, MacLaughlin, from NBC 6, expressed his concerns about Florida's government downplaying the importance of addressing climate change. He emphasized that the world is looking to Florida for leadership on this pressing issue. His remarks coincided with South Florida experiencing exceptional heat in May, prompting the National Weather Service to issue its first May heat advisory in 15 years.

Just days prior, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, signed a controversial bill that deleted multiple references to climate change from state law. MacLaughlin referred to the legislation as "Don't Say Climate Change" in a social media post. The bill made significant changes to the state's energy policy, including deleting sections that highlighted the need to reduce planet-warming pollution. Additionally, it favored fossil fuels while banning offshore wind energy, despite the absence of wind farms planned off Florida's coast.

Florida's coastal ecosystems have already suffered from severe coral bleaching, and the state is at risk of rising sea levels. MacLaughlin pointed out that the removed term "climate" appeared eight times in the legislation, many times concerning reducing fossil fuel emissions and promoting the use of climate-friendly products when they are cost-effective and available.

MacLaughlin urged viewers to recognize the power of their vote as the most effective solution to address climate change. While he refrained from endorsing specific candidates, he encouraged people to research and support those who believe in the reality of climate change and its solutions.

Other TV meteorologists have applauded MacLaughlin's boldness and honesty in speaking out on this issue. Jeff Berardelli, the chief meteorologist at WFLA in Tampa Bay, commended MacLaughlin for his strong remarks. He highlighted the pressure that meteorologists face in avoiding discussions about climate change and called on more professionals in the field to show similar courage.

The rise of threats and abuse towards meteorologists and climate communicators was underscored as MacLaughlin's video clip on social media has been viewed over 350,000 times. Last year, a chief TV meteorologist in Iowa resigned after receiving harassing emails from viewers.

John Morales, a certified consulting meteorologist at ClimaData and former chief meteorologist at NBC Miami, encouraged other meteorologists to speak up. He emphasized the importance of bravery during these challenging times.

MacLaughlin's public criticism of the removal of climate change references in Florida's state law serves as a reminder of the growing need for action and awareness on the issue. His call to vote for candidates who recognize climate change's significance has resonated with viewers concerned about the state's environmental future.