Pages Tagged With: "climate change"
Preparing Delaware’s Workforce
Delaware’s path to a resilient, net-zero future depends on a skilled workforce ready to drive the clean energy transition. Meeting the state’s climate goals requires training workers for emerging technologies in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable building, as well as reskilling those in existing occupations. Clean energyDelaware Climate Action Plan
The Delaware Climate Action Plan charts a bold path toward a cleaner, more resilient future for the First State. Climate change is already affecting Delaware communities with a recent survey showing that a majority of Delawareans are concerned about these impacts and want to see action taken. By addressing both emissions and impacts, the PlanEmissions Reduction: Waste
The waste sector accounts for a small share of Delaware’s greenhouse gas emissions – about 3% in 2021 – but remains an important part of the state’s path to net-zero. Delaware manages all of its waste within state borders through landfills, recycling facilities and wastewater treatment plants. Emissions from this sector are primarily methane andProtecting Our Communities: Comprehensive Resilience
Compounding climate risks occur when multiple hazards interact and amplify one another, creating cascading impacts that strain communities, infrastructure and emergency response systems. As climate change intensifies, Delaware is increasingly likely to experience these overlapping risks, particularly when extreme events coincide or occur in quick succession. Vulnerable populations are often affected most, underscoring the needProtecting Our Communities: Emergent Hazards
Delaware is facing a growing range of climate-driven hazards beyond heat and flooding. In recent years, the state has experienced stronger storms, longer droughts, increased wildfire risk, emerging health threats and changes to coastal waters. Events like Tropical Storm Isaias in 2020 — which produced the longest-tracking tornado in Delaware in more than 70 yearsProtecting Our Communities: Sea Level Rise, Precipitation and Inland Flooding
Delaware is highly vulnerable to sea level rise and flooding due to its low elevation, flat landscape and ongoing land subsidence. Sea levels along Delaware’s coast are rising at roughly twice the global average, with tide gauges showing up to 15 inches of increase over the past century. Projections indicate an additional one to oneProtecting Our Communities: Extreme Heat
Delaware is already experiencing the effects of a warming climate. Average temperatures have increased by about three degrees since 1895, with the 2010s marking the hottest decade on record. Climate projections show continued warming, with more frequent and intense heat waves, higher nighttime temperatures and a sharp increase in days above 90 degrees by theEmissions Reduction: Agriculture
Agriculture is a vital part of Delaware’s economy and landscape, supporting farm families, food production and covering more than 40% of the state’s land area. In addition to its economic value, farmland plays an important role in addressing climate change by storing carbon in soils and vegetation. While agriculture contributes a relatively small share ofEmissions Reduction: Oceans and Wetlands
In Delaware, no one is ever more than a mile from water. The state’s 381 miles of coastline and nearly 300,000 acres of wetlands provide substantial economic, ecological and community benefits. These coastal and marine systems also play a critical role in Delaware’s climate strategy by storing and sequestering carbon in vegetation, sediments and submergedToward Net-Zero Emissions by 2050
Reducing Delaware’s greenhouse gas emissions to nearly zero by 2050 is essential to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The Climate Change Solutions Act of 2023 sets clear statewide emission reduction targets: a 50% reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, compared to a 2005 baseline. Reaching these goals, however, will require bothLand Use Intersections
Land use patterns and practices have a powerful intersection with climate change in Delaware. Patterns of growth and development influence current and future greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation, buildings and electricity sectors. They also determine whether the state can maximize carbon storage in natural lands. Decisions aboutEmissions Reduction: Transportation
Transportation is Delaware’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, making up nearly 30% of the state’s total in 2021. Emissions come from cars, trucks, buses, planes, boats and off-road equipment. Reducing transportation emissions is key to reaching Delaware’s net-zero goals while improving air quality, public health and community resilience. DelawareEmissions Reduction: Forests and Urban Trees
Forests and urban trees cover nearly one-third of Delaware’s land area and provide critical benefits for wildlife habitat, clean water and community well-being. They also support a strong forestry industry that employs nearly 2,000 people and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the state’s economy. At the same time, Delaware is losing more thanEmissions Reduction: Residential and Commercial Buildings
Delaware’s buildings are a central part of daily life and a growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. Because buildings vary widely in age, size and use, there is no single solution for reducing emissions. In 2021, the buildings sector produced about 14% of Delaware’s total emissions, with commercial buildings accounting for slightly more than homes.Emissions Reduction: Industry
The industry sector is Delaware’s third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 23.1% of statewide emissions in 2021. Although industrial emissions are 7.3% lower than in 2005, emissions are projected to grow without additional action. By 2050, industrial emissions are expected to overtake transportation as the state’s largest source of greenhouse gases, highlighting theEmissions Reduction: Electricity Generation and Grid Infrastructure
Electricity generation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware, making up 26.9% of the state’s total in 2021. Emissions come from electricity generated both in-state and out-of-state which we use to light our homes and heat our businesses. A decarbonized electric grid serves as Delaware’s largest emissions reduction opportunity, as itProtecting Our Communities
Building state resilience to established and emerging hazards through climate adaptation is critical to safeguarding Delaware’s communities, economy and environment for generations to come. Climate adaptation is a continuous process that can protect people, places and infrastructure; accommodate changing conditions; avoid future risk; and help communities strategically retreat from areas that cannot be safely protected.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 Posters What is the Climate Action Plan (CAP)? Poster Delaware Climate Change Impacts PosterMarsh 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. The group isClimate 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 Delaware Code (7Clean 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 is2021 Delaware 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
The 2025 Delaware Climate Action Plan was developed by DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy, in collaboration with technical experts, stakeholders and residents, as an update the 2021 Climate Action Plan, including requirements in the state’s Climate Change Solutions Act. Community Engagement SessionsClimate 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.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 2021 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 transportation and waste sectorsCool 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 withPage: 12 of 2 total pages
