Last week, Hurricane Dorian - a devastating category 5 storm supercharged by the effects of climate change - tore through the Bahamas, killing at least 50 Bahamians and leaving tens of thousands without even the most basic necessities.
Here in South Florida, we live with the terrifying effects of climate change and extreme weather every day. Rising sea levels are slowly swallowing our shorelines and eroding our economy.
It's gotten so bad that many South Floridians have become accustomed to evacuating their homes in the wake of catastrophic weather and returning weeks later to restore their lives only to find devastated neighborhoods.
While communities are rebuilt, it’s critical for affected families to have a safe place to fully recover. If not, students can lose time in class and fall behind, small business owners can lose their livelihoods, and working-class families can lose their savings. Without a place to temporarily relocate, sometimes there’s no rebuilding at all.
Today, our neighbors in the Bahamas - a mere 50 miles to the south - face this same situation, and I know we stand ready to help. It’s time to offer our friends the necessary safety and shelter while their homes are rebuilt.
South Florida has a storied place in history as a welcoming community. We’ve always been ready to assist those in need - especially immigrants and refugees - and now’s the time to add a new chapter to our legacy.
Together, let’s show the world that, in the worst of times, South Florida is a beacon of hope. Sign our petition today and join us in welcoming Bahamian climate refugees into our communities.
