Florida’s Climate Policy Rollback Has Implications for the Mental Health of Residents

The recent signing of H.B. 1645 by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis removes references to climate change from state law and eliminates renewable-energy goals. While the DeSantis administration claims its actions against “radical climate agendas” restore sanity to Florida’s energy policy, climate-change denialism will increase climate anxiety in Florida’s vulnerable populations.

H.B. 1645 removes “climate change” references from state statutes, significantly altering Florida’s approach to climate change and renewable energy. The bill restricts local governments from enacting climate-focused policies, prohibits new wind-power infrastructure developments, and removes climate-change references from state statutes. This legislation alarms national environmental policy experts, as it sets a precedent for other states to potentially roll back climate initiatives, hindering broader efforts to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions.

Florida’s decision to roll back climate-change initiatives also has significant environmental and mental health implications. By prioritizing short-term economic interests over long-term sustainability, the state risks exacerbating global climate challenges while neglecting the well-being of its residents. It is imperative for policy makers to consider the broader implications of their actions and prioritize evidence-based solutions that address both environmental concerns and mental health impacts.

To combat climate anxiety and its mental health impacts, individuals can take personal action by adopting ecofriendly practices. Community organizations should take formal stances on climate change’s effects on mental health, raising awareness and providing support. Citizens must advocate for—and elect leaders committed to—environmental protection and sustainable policies. In turn, policy makers need to enact legislation addressing climate change and its mental health consequences.

These multitiered approaches can help foster a sense of agency, promote community resilience, and drive meaningful policy changes to mitigate climate change and its psychological toll. ■