President Obama to discuss climate change in Florida Everglades on Earth Day

WASHINGTON, April 18 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama will make an Earth Day visit to the Florida Everglades on Wednesday to issue warnings about the dangers global warming pose to the planet and highlight his climate change plans.

Obama, in his weekly radio address Saturday said he will be headed to Florida to "talk about the way that climate change threatens our economy."

"The Everglades is one of the most special places in our country," he said. "But it's also one of the most fragile. Rising sea levels are putting a national treasure -- and an economic engine for the South Florida tourism industry -- at risk."

"Climate change can no longer be denied -- or ignored," Obama said.

Climate change remains an active issue in Florida, including at the 1.5-million-acre Everglades National Park in South Florida. Regional government leaders and researchers statewide are collaborating on adaptation measures for the state and its coastal communities to combat rising sea levels and the intrusion of saltwater into fresh.

At the same time, climate change has polarized the state, with recent accusations Gov. Rick Scott's administration banned state environmental experts from using the terms "climate change" or "global warming." Scott's office denies the claim.

Obama said 2014 was the planet's warmest year on record, refuting claims by skeptics who point to the recent harsh winters throughout the country.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a report putting March 2015 as the hottest March in modern history, with an average worldwide surface temperature 1.53 degrees higher than the 20th century average of 54.9 F. Experts say if the heatwave continues, 2015 may be the hottest year on record since 1880.

In response, the United States is utilizing clean energy, including wind and solar, and taking steps to building more fuel-efficient vehicles, Obama said. The nation has also cutting carbon pollution and is working with China to limit emissions.

"It's about shielding our cities and our families from disaster and harm. It's about keeping our kids healthy and safe," he said. "This is the only planet we've got. And years from now, I want to be able to look our children and grandchildren in the eye and tell them that we did everything we could to protect it."