New report highlights Delaware’s reaction to climate change

This week the State of Delaware released a report detailing Delaware's progress toward reaching goals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the state.

Gov. Markell issued an executive order in 2013 that directed state agencies to address emissions related to climate change. "The Climate Framework for Delaware" was developed soon after to outline recommendations for reducing emissions.

The latest report is intended to update Delaware residents on how these agencies have reacted and continue to advance their environmental policies.

"We've taken important steps by investing in renewable energy, energy efficientcy and cleaner fuels, moving toward our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030," Gov. Markell said. "We're also making our low-lying state more resilient to sea level rise through projects such as dike and beach restorations."

The governor emphasized that the state must continue in its trend toward environmentally-friendly policies, calling climate change, "one of the greatest threats to the future of our state, our nation and our planet."

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary David Small says Delaware has already come a long way in the last few years.

"The collaboration among a number of state agencies has laid a solid foundation upon which to build future efforts to help Delaware adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change," Sec. Small said.

Some highlights from the report include the addition of propane-powered buses for Delaware's schoolchildren and a weatherization assistance program to help Delawareans properly insulate their homes, saving energy.

The entire report, "Climate Action in Delaware: 2016 Progress Report" can be read here.