Delaware’s climate plan has strong UD connections

Delaware is a small state with big ideas for tackling climate issues.

Nearly 80% of Delawareans view climate change as a serious threat, according to the 2025 Delaware Climate Change Perceptions Survey.

It's a concern rooted in geography as much as public opinion. Delaware is the lowest-lying state in the nation, with 381 miles of tidal shoreline vulnerable to rising seas, stronger storms and persistent flooding.

Now, the state is taking an aggressive approach to preparing for what comes next - and alumni from the University of Delaware are helping lead the charge.

On Jan. 7, 2026, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) released the 2025 Delaware Climate Action Plan, a sweeping plan to protect the state's homes, infrastructure and economy. The plan also addresses public health concerns and the conservation of Delaware's unique natural environment.

More than 20 UD alumni - including hydrologists, engineers, environmental scientists, transportation policy specialists and state planners - played active roles in its development and implementation. They come from colleges across UD where they studied everything from environmental engineering to plant and soil sciences to public policy analysis.

Three Blue Hens served as lead authors on the report, along with five other state leaders. Susan Love, administrator of Climate and Sustainability Programs for DNREC's Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy, Wylie Feaster, DNREC climate change training and education specialist, and Lee Aiken, DNREC climate policy planner.