Climate adaptation surges forward even as political leaders ban “climate change” from official language

A striking paradox is emerging across America: while politicians increasingly avoid saying “climate change,” communities are rapidly adapting to its undeniable effects. This phenomenon began in Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis erased climate references from state law last year while simultaneously committing over $1 billion to climate resilience projects. Now, similar “don’t say climate” politics have spread nationwide under the Trump administration, which has deleted climate change from hundreds of government webpages while dismissing climate science as “fear-mongering.”

Despite the political rhetoric, practical adaptation is accelerating everywhere. California’s PG&E is burying power lines to prevent wildfire ignition, Houston is buying flood-prone homes to create natural water absorption areas, and Miami Beach is raising roads as sea levels rise. “There’s been a radical increase in how many people are realizing that whether it’s flooding, drought, fire, air quality impacts — the disasters have been getting out ahead of us,” explains University of Miami professor Katharine Mach.

This shift reflects a harsh reality: global temperatures are likely to rise 2.8°C by century’s end, far exceeding the 1.5°C target scientists consider safe. Developing countries need $310 billion annually for climate adaptation, yet received only $26 billion in 2023 from wealthy nations. While billionaires like Bill Gates and MacKenzie Scott are stepping in with private funding, experts warn that adaptation alone isn’t sufficient. As climate educator Yoca Arditi-Rocha puts it: “We cannot be mopping the floor forever” — emissions must still be reduced even as communities prepare for unavoidable changes.