Climate advocacy group installs melting statue of Florida Governor
A melting statue titled "Denial" was unveiled in Tallahassee to protest Governor Ron DeSantis's record on climate change policy.
Climate advocacy group 350Action has unveiled a six-foot-tall statue in Tallahassee’s Prime Meridian Plaza depicting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The statue, titled "Denial," is constructed from gallium—a metal with a melting point of 85.6 degrees Fahrenheit—designed to melt in the heat and reveal a skeleton beneath.
Produced by Uncommon Creative Studio and fabricated by SFDS, the sculpture serves as a commentary on DeSantis's environmental policies. During the October 13 unveiling, the figure began to melt within 30 minutes. This visual effect was intended to highlight the irony of a figure associated with the denial of climate change being unable to withstand the ambient heat of the region.
The protest follows a 2024 law signed by the governor that removed references to climate change from state legislation, banned certain wind energy projects, and reduced funding for renewable energy. Environmental groups have criticized the move, arguing it prioritizes the interests of the fossil fuel industry over public concern regarding climate impacts.
350Action campaign manager Candice Fortin stated that the initiative aims to bridge the gap between public concern over extreme weather and the importance of casting a vote. The group is using the art installation to urge voters to research candidates' stances on climate issues ahead of the elections.