Editorials - May 24, 2024

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis passed a bill forbidding schools to provide any instruction in sexual orientation or gender identity in 2022, which quickly became known as the “Don’t Say Gay” legislation.

 

Now, in 2024, DeSantis has just signed a piece of legislation that will remove the requirement that climate change be considered when creating energy policies, despite the increasing threat from worsening hurricane seasons, unprecedented heat extremes and increasing toxic algae blooms throughout the state. The legislation will also remove references to climate change within most state laws, ban offshore wind turbines in state waters and weaken regulations on natural gas pipelines.

 

“The legislation I signed today [will] keep windmills off our beaches, gas in our tanks, and China out of our state,” the governor said to Florida’s Voice, a DeSantis-friendly news organization. 

 

Florida meteorologist Steve McLaughlin took to the social media platform X with a one-minute video discussing the legislation that goes into effect July 1, and the potential catastrophe that awaits the subtropical state that sits at just an average of 100 feet above sea level, at a time when the rate of global ocean level rise is accelerating.

 

While DeSantis and his supporters are declaring this a victory, one has to wonder - a victory over what?  Deleting all references to something doesn’t defeat it. Climate change isn’t going away.

 

Florida has officially declared itself the state of denial. – DS

For the first time, the Canadian national para ice hockey team has won gold on its home ice. Furthermore, the team did it with a 2-1 victory over its sworn nemesis: the United States; just the latest chapter in a cross-border rivalry that has run through the men’s and women’s national teams, World Juniors teams and even women’s soccer. 

 

This is the team’s first gold medal in seven years and, as mentioned, with the para ice hockey world championships gold medal, this is the first time the team has won gold on home ice in its history.

 

And while there’s a tremendous sense of national pride for Canadians with a win like this, there is a lot of local pride for those of us living in Huron County. There’s Corbyn Smith, who hails from nearby Monkton, and then James Dunn who’s now living in the Exeter area but has been spending a lot of time in Clinton recently trying to work with Clinton’s Carson Hymers, teaching him to play. 

 

When The Citizen reported on the training relationship between Dunn and Hymers, people like Carson’s mother Darlene and Central Huron Deputy-Mayor Marg Anderson opined that it would be great to attract Dunn’s team to Clinton for an exhibition game. Now, with gold around members’ necks and interest higher than ever, what a great fit it would be to have Canada’s heroes come to Clinton.

 

Congratulations boys, the country’s proud of you. – SL 

Post-apocalyptic action/adventure film Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga hits theatres today. Entering a cinema is a great way to temporarily stave off early-season extreme heat or to keep dry from lingering spring rains or sudden-gush deluges, as the case may be. 

 

In a recently-released report, think-tank Policy Horizons Canada (PHC) delves into 35 hypothetical scenarios that could profoundly reshape our societal landscape. These scenarios range from threats to truth and environmental crises, to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The report’s stark findings, while speculative, offer insights into the challenges that lie ahead for Canada and the world.

 

At the forefront of concerns is the erosion of truth in the digital age. With misinformation and disinformation proliferating through advanced AI algorithms, the very fabric of our information ecosystems is at risk. This trend, if left unchecked, could lead to heightened social fragmentation and a loss of public trust in essential institutions.

 

Environmental threats also loom large, with predictions of ecosystem collapse and extreme weather events surpassing our ability to respond effectively. The cascading impacts of biodiversity loss could jeopardize fundamental human needs, from clean air and water to food security, while natural disasters exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.

 

The report’s cautionary tone extends to the realm of technology, highlighting the potential for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and the unchecked influence of billionaires shaping global policies.

 

The point of this report is not about succumbing to fear, but about facing challenges head-on with foresight and adaptability. As people navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world, strategic planning, collaborative efforts and a commitment to evidence-based decision-making will be paramount in shaping a resilient future for all.

 

These are timely reminders. While the future remains uncertain, our ability to anticipate, adapt and innovate will ultimately determine our collective resilience and prosperity. – SBS