WASHINGTON — Two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated communities across the Southeast, another devastating storm, Hurricane Milton, has torn through Florida. Between Hurricane Helene’s destruction and Milton’s shocking intensification, these disasters are stark reminders of the escalating dangers we face from climate change. Hip Hop Caucus’ Associate Senior Director of Think 100% Jasmine Gil issued the following statement:
“Hurricane Milton isn’t just another storm — it’s a consequence fueled by a warming planet. In the matter of weeks, this second hurricane has devastated some of the very same communities that were just overwhelmed by Hurricane Helene. The direct link between climate change and increased hurricane severity is undeniable.
Not only are we ill prepared for its aftermaths, but the first-hand documented experiences via social media has shown us that we are even less prepared in the anticipation of these storms. In Florida, we’ve seen low-income neighborhoods struggling to evacuate. This pattern of a lack of equitable resources to equip and rebuild Black and Brown communities — already bearing the weight of environmental racism — will continue to be hit hardest by these disasters until our leaders decide to prioritize climate action.
We don’t have time for half measures — our lives are at stake. Our government, both federal and state, must act now to protect us and future generations, or we’ll continue facing these deadly, catastrophic storms.”
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