Scientists and state employees report that Governor Rick Scott's office has discouraged them from using the phrases “climate change, global warming and sustainability” in official communications, including reports about the future of Florida's coasts.

Florida scientists such as David Hastings have advised the governor that the state of Florida is one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change in the U.S. The damaging effects of sea level rise alone may threaten 30 percent of the state’s beaches by 2100. Hastings, who met with Scott last year, called the language ban "Orwellian."

According to a report by the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting, the “unwritten policy” was implemented in 2011 after Scott took office and appointed a new Department of Environmental Protection director.

Sign the petition to investigate censorship in Florida at Tinyurl.com/FloridaClimateCensor.