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US President Barack Obama spoke about climate change during a trip to Florida's Everglades National Park on 22 April. Mike Theiler/Reuters

President Barack Obama used a trip to Florida's Everglades on 22 April to discuss climate change policies.

"Climate change is threatening this treasure and the communities that depend on it," Obama said during a speech to a small group of community leaders, Park Service employees and guest. "If we don't act, there may not be an Everglades as we know it."

According to Reuters, the president took a 30-minute walk on the Anhinga boardwalk trail at the 1.5m acre Everglades National Park. The park, which is home to alligators and a host of other animals, has been plagued by rising sea levels.

The president's message is part of a continued effort to get the United States and the world to deal with climate change issues, The New York Times reported. Obama also used the trip to take a subtle stab at Republicans such as former Florida governor Jeb Bush and Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

Rubio has denied humans are responsible for climate change, while Bush has said he is more concerned about the economy than about climate. According to the Times, the White House hopes the two Republicans will be forced to address the issue during the campaign season.

"Climate change can no longer be denied," Obama said. "It can't be edited out. It can't be omitted from the conversation. And action can no longer be delayed."

Obama also took a less-than-subtle stab at current Florida Governor Rick Scott, who has allegedly banned environmental officials in the state from using the term climate change. "Simply refusing to say the words 'climate change' doesn't mean that climate change isn't happening," the president said.

According to the Times, Obama is expected to reveal a final set of regulations to cut global-warming carbon pollution from coal-fired power plants over the summer.