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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 has changed naturally throughout its history due to various influences, modern research has shown that the climate is changing more rapidly than it has in the past — and it is extremely likely that human activities are the major driver of that change.
Over the coming years, it is projected that Delaware will face higher temperatures, more high heat days, increased heavy precipitation events and sea level rise.
The impacts from each of these threatens the state’s industries, infrastructure, natural resources and health of residents.
Sea Level Rise
Increased Temperatures
Heavy Precipitation and Flooding
The Mid-Atlantic region lies within a sea level rise “hotspot” where sea levels could rise faster and higher than elsewhere due to a combination of rising seas and sinking land.
The 2010 decade was the hottest on record, with 2016 being the hottest year and with 2019 the second hottest year. The average annual temperature in Delaware has increased by 2 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900 and warmed at a rate of about 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit per decade.
Precipitation in Delaware over the last century has averaged 45 inches per year. That is expected to increase about 10 percent by 2100. The number of very wet days, 2 inches or more of rainfall in 24 hours, is also projected to increase. Additionally, an increase in the frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation events is projected over the next century.
The Delaware Climate Change Impact Assessment breaks down past and projected future climate trends in Delaware, and what these trends mean for Delaware’s public health, water resources, agriculture, infrastructure and ecosystems. Read the full report or a 12-page summary.
The Delaware Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment takes a deep dive into the impacts that sea level rise has on the state. The assessment includes details on:
The Delaware Climate + Health Conference Summary Report highlights findings from the 2017 conference, which explored how climate change is affecting public health in Delaware. The conference particularly focused on extreme heat, air quality and vector-borne diseases.
Related Topics: climate, climate change, climate coastal energy, energy, plan
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