Miami Meteorologist Sounds Alarm on Climate Change, ‘Sirens Should be Blaring’

WTVJ meteorologist Steve MacLaughlin is sounding the alarm on climate change after ocean temperatures around South Florida hit 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

“’We have reached a point we cannot return from.’ In 25 years of broadcasting, I’ve never uttered these words on tv before,” MacLaughlin said on-air and on Twitter. “I try to stay positive. I report on not just the problem, but the solution. I try to not be alarmist. But with corals, sirens should be blaring.”

MacLaughlin said that because of the high temps, we are seeing the effects of climate change through increased rain fall, declining air quality due to wildfires and the possible loss of the ocean reef system. He pointed out that 90 percent of global warming is stored in the ocean and 25 percent of sea life lives in and around reefs.

“People trust us. If we can make people understand the connection between weather and climate and help people understand the truth by using math, science, empathy and compassion, we can make the biggest difference for the planet,” he told TVSpy when asked if he has received any pushback about reporting on climate change. “I have not received any serious pushback now or in the past. Every post will get some negative comments, but I feel people have been receptive. And NBC has been incredible. They have never held me back or censored me. In fact, they have pushed me to go even further. I couldn’t ask to work for a better company at a more important time. “