Gov. Jack Markell last week highlighted Delaware’s work in preparing the state for climate impacts while announcing a new Climate Framework for Delaware.
The framework summarizes work completed under Executive Order 41 in addressing climate impacts and includes recommendations that outline Delaware’s future direction for climate action.
“Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge we face. By taking strategic actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare Delaware to be more resilient, we are ensuring public safety, improving public health, supporting new jobs, growing the economy and conserving our natural resources,” Markell said.
In September 2013, Governor Markell signed Executive Order 41 that created the Cabinet Committee on Climate and Resiliency (CCoCAR) comprised of leadership from 11 state agencies and departments. EO 41 tasked the committee with addressing the causes and consequences of climate change by developing actionable recommendations that, according to a release.
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change;
• Increases resilience to climate impacts; and
• Avoids and minimizes flood risks due to sea level rise.
The Climate Framework was developed using the best available science, including Delaware’s 2014 Climate Change Impact Assessment and the Delaware Sea Level Rise Vulnerability, according to a release.
The climate framework has its skeptics that include the Positive Growth Alliance in Sussex County, an area often viewed to be the most vulnerable to sea level rise. The alliance asked that its members comment on the Climate Framework.
Climate change critics have seen a growing majority of Delawareans who believe climate change is a reality. That could be a reflection of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy and the belief that climate change leads to more severe storms.
Some skeptics have conceded that climate change is occurring, but add that it may be part of a natural cycle. Others question the findings of scientists and point to other data.
Markell highlighted Delaware’s significant progress in working across many sectors to reduce emissions through investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, implementing transportation policy and enhancements.
As a result, Delaware has decreased emissions by a greater percentage than any other state in the nation – about 25% from 2008 to 2011 – and increased deployment of solar technology from 2 megawatts in 2008 to 60 MW today.
In addition, Markell outlined Delaware’s extensive progress in increasing resilience and preparing for climate impacts through a range of projects, activities and policies including protection of wetlands and shorelines, developing more protective standards for flood plain management and restoring coastal impoundments and dikes along the Delaware River and Bay. Climate change is affecting Delaware now, with increasing temperatures and rainfall, increased flooding from extreme precipitation and rising sea levels, the release stated.
“Lewes’ first core value recognizes this community’s unique relationship with the sea. That historic connection has helped to foster the realization that we must make adaptations to many aspects of climate change and hazard mitigation, as they impact Lewes. As a result, not only have we made changes to our city code and regulations, but we have also undertaken an ongoing program to educate and engage our residents as we prepare for the future,” said Mayor Ted Becker of the City of Lewes.
The framework is posted online for public comments until May 30, 2015 at www.de.gov/climateframework. In addition, an engagement workshop for local governments, stakeholder organizations and the public will be held next month in Dover.
The workshop will include an overview of the Framework and the activities completed by each work group, followed by a breakout session to gather public feedback on adaptation recommendations.
