Pages Tagged With: "climate change"
Climate Action Plan Public Engagement Materials
This page holds a collection of informational materials provided during a round of three community engagement sessions in mid-September of 2025 to gather additional input for Delaware’s Climate Action Plan. Informational PostersMarsh Migration in Delaware
Tidal wetlands face serious threats from rapid environmental changes. They are challenged by accelerated rates of rising water levels and increased storm surge associated with climate change. In response, these habitats have adapted a survival mechanism called marsh migration. Marsh MigrationTechnical Climate Advisors
The Technical Climate Advisors are experts from state agencies, higher education and other institutions tasked with evaluating and updating the State’s sea level rise, temperature and precipitation scenarios every five years to be used in the state Climate Action Plan and in support of other climate and sustainability initiatives. TheClimate Change Officers
The Climate Change Officers are representatives from key state agencies involved in the implementation of Delaware’s Climate Action Plan. They are tasked with supporting the achievement of emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2050 and helping develop and update the Plan. The Climate Change Officers are established in the DelawareClean Energy and Climate-Related Workforce Development
The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy is committed to working with partners from both the public and private sectors and across regions, to assess and develop Delaware’s workforce and economic opportunities in alignment with the state’s climate goals. Understanding the clean energy and climate-related workforce landscape is necessary to addressing the strategies and actionsA History of Earth Day in Delaware
At the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Earth Day is far too important and multifaceted to be confined to a single 24-hour period. Though Earth Day normally takes place on April 22, in Delaware, this holiday is transformed into a monthlong event recognizing the importance of preserving our natural world. For 2025, DNREC has planned tree plantings, beach cleanups, hikes, talks and more.Climate and Sustainability Initiatives
The DNREC Climate and Sustainability Section is charged with coordinating state actions that reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and improving Delaware’s resiliency to climate change impacts. They use technical assistance, financial incentives, policy development, pilot projects and education initiatives to meet this charge. The Division is committed toDelaware’s Climate Action Plan
Delaware’s Climate Action Plan is the State’s playbook of actionable strategies and goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, produce energy from renewable sources and protect our natural resources, communities, and people from the impacts of climate change. 2025 Climate Plan Update DNREC is actively developing the 2025Developing the 2025 Climate Action Plan
Delaware’s 2025 Climate Action Plan is now under development. This plan will update the 2021 Climate Action Plan and include requirements of the state’s Climate Change Solutions Act. DNREC is working with communities, stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop the plan, which will be published by November 15, 2025.Climate Pollution Reduction Grant
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program is a federal grant administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).Contact Us
declimateplan@delaware.gov
Program Guidelines and Operational Procedures
The purpose of these guidelines is to define procedures relating to the Cool Switch Low-Impact Refrigerant Program (Cool Switch). The goal in establishing these guidelines is to provide a streamlined procedure for administering and distributing program funds. These guidelines provide rules of practice and procedures for rebate applications and disbursement of rebates for low-impactEarth Day, 2023
As we renew our commitment to our planet this Earth Day, we can be proud of the progress we are making toward reducing emissions by focusing on clean transportation, energy efficiency, clean energy, offsetting carbon emissions and more.Funding Opportunities for Tree Plantings
Funding for tree-plantings is available from a variety of sources for private residences and landowners, communities and homeowners associations, non-governmental organizations, parks, schools, municipalities, counties and state agencies. Private Residences and Landowners Clean Water Act 319 Grants from theImplementing Delaware’s Climate Action Plan
Delaware has for more than a decade been working to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and increase the state’s resilience to climate change. The Climate Action Plan outlines broad strategies and specific actions that can be taken to further those efforts. Climate-related Bills Passed in the 2023 Legislative SessionEarth Day 2022 – The Time for Bold Action on Climate Change
For Earth Day, 2022, Gov. John Carney and DNREC Sec. Shawn M. Garvin wrote an article on the need to take bold action on climate change.Delaware Climate Leadership Academy
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) administers the Delaware Climate Leadership Academy, which aims to build climate literacy and awareness in the state. About the Academy Academy Programs [button type=”primary”Climate Leadership Academy Programs
The Delaware Climate Leadership Academy offers programs for public and private sector professionals and leaders to learn how climate change is impacting Delaware, build preparedness and advance solutions through collaboration and technical training. Climate Leadership AcademyAbout the Academy
The Delaware Climate Leadership Academy is a DNREC-sponsored initiative established to provide foundational and continuing education on climate risk assessment, planning and solutions for state and local government officials, infrastructure executives and business leaders. Climate Leadership Academy [button type=”primary” block=”true”Offshore Wind
Delaware continues to explore opportunities and challenges presented by the growing offshore wind industry. The state has set a target of achieving 40% renewable energy by 2035. Increasing renewable energy in Delaware is also identified as a strategy in Delaware’s Climate Action Plan to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions that are drivingA Tree for Every Delawarean
Trees are natural champions. From our state forests to our city parks, trees improve air and water quality, preserve soil, and support wildlife – and they play a critical role in helping to fight climate change. [modal text=”Tree Giveaways and Plantings” title=”Tree Giveaways and Plantings” xclass=”btnDelaware’s Climate Impacts
Climate change looks different depending on where you are in the world. In Delaware, climate change primarily takes the form of sea level rise, increasing temperatures and more frequent intense storms, including heavy precipitation and flooding. While the Earth’s climate naturally changes over millions of years, scientists agree that humanClimate Change Basics
Earth’s climate is changing, resulting in increasing temperatures and precipitation, and contributing to extreme weather and rising seas. The effects of climate change are already being observed in Delaware. What is Climate Change? Climate change refers to long-term changes in average weather patternsDelaware Emissions
Human activities have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, threatening the health and wellbeing of the people of Delaware. DNREC’s Division of Air Quality conducts an annual inventory of in-state greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The 2021 inventory, which is the latest report available, was released in AprilActions You Can Take
Climate change is a global issue that will require global solutions, but we can all play a part in that greater effort by reducing our energy usage and conserving our resources. Delawareans Want Climate Action Delaware residents have consistently supported action to address climate change.Minimizing Impacts
By maximizing resilience and adapting to climate change impacts now, we are better prepared for extreme and unexpected events. Action Areas to Maximize Resilience to Climate Change Impacts Delaware’s Climate Action Plan outlines seven key action areas for maximizing resilience in the state. Those areas include:Data and Tools
Delaware has taken steps to address the causes and consequences of climate change with the goal of minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and maximizing resilience to the impacts of climate change we are witnessing today. For more than a decade, state agencies and their partners have developed data, collected information andTerms and Definitions
A glossary of terms used in the Delaware Climate Action Plan and in conversations about climate issues. Accretion: As it relates to wetlands, accretion is the vertical growth of wetland surface elevation. Accretion occurs through two processes: When sediments are deposited onto wetlands during periods ofMinimizing Emissions
By minimizing greenhouse gas emissions now, we contribute to a worldwide effort to reduce the severity of rapid climate change. Action Areas to Minimize Greenhouse Gas Emissions Delaware’s Climate Action Plan capitalizes on the work already underway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware and identifies fiveHydrofluorocarbons
In March of 2021, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) adopted a regulation on prohibitions of hydrofluorocarbons in specific end-uses.Contact
Kyle Krall Division of Air Quality 302-324-2083
Sea Level Rise and Delaware’s Wetlands
Over the past century, Delaware has experienced a sea level rise of more than one foot. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the rate of sea level rise will increase over the next century. This will lead to the loss of coastal wetlands in Delaware. [column md=”6″ xclass=”col=xs-12 col-md-6Public Participation
Public participation has been essential to developing Delaware’s Climate Action Plan. In addition to public workshops held in the spring and fall of 2020, online surveys and comment forms soliciting public input, DNREC sought insight from Delaware-based technical stakeholders in the buildings, electric power, industrial transportationCool Switch Low-Impact Refrigerant Program
The Cool Switch Low-Impact Refrigerant Program’s goal is to incentivize the use of refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potential impacts.Contact Us
Lauren Tyre Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy 302-735-3360
Climate Communications Training
It is possible to facilitate informative and empowering conversations about climate change. In this two-day course, participants will learn about strategic framing – a research based approach to communication that engages audiences in thinking productively about how they can participate in creating or supporting solutions to climate change. OverviewRegional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Delaware is a participant in a multi-state carbon dioxide cap-and-trade program developed as a cooperative effort among the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia to cap and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the power sector. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributesClean Power Plan Meetings
In 2015, the EPA set the first-ever carbon pollution limits for existing power plants. The rules, known as the Clean Power Plan, were issued under the Clean Air Act. Between 2014, when the Plan was just a proposal, then and 2018, when the EPA reversed itself and rescinded those rules, DNREC worked with residents andPlanning for Clean Power
The state of Delaware began working on a Clean Power Plan in response to carbon pollution limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2015. In August of 2018, the EPA reversed itself and repealed those rules. It has proposed a new “Affordable Clean Energy” rule instead. The state is now working withGreenhouse Gas Offsets
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) allows participating states to identify and take credit for project-based greenhouse gas reductions outside of the electric sector, which is subject to the RGGI cap-and-trade program.Contact Us
Valerie Gray Division of Air Quality 302-323-4542
Delaware Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee
The Delaware Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee was created in 2010 to investigate the state’s vulnerability to sea level rise and to provide recommendations about how to best prepare for higher sea levels. Adapting to Sea Level Rise Delaware Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee
