The below text is from Governor Carney’s Facebook Note published on Friday, April 20, 2018.
On Sunday, April 22, we all come together to celebrate Earth Day. But we work every day to show that even one of the smallest states can have a big impact when it comes to reducing carbon emissions, preserving our farmlands and combating climate change.
I started Earth Week with a visit to North Star Elementary School where I met with Adithi, Madison, Rachel, Julia and Emma – five, nine-year-olds who created the aptly-named “We Help the Earth” group. We talked about recycling, electric cars and the need to address litter. They also showed me their outdoor classroom, and an indigenous Willow Oak tree they planted a few days earlier. These girls, and many children like them, are the future of our state; we owe it to them to focus on these issues now.
The Time is Now
We need to pay attention to climate change now. Delaware is experiencing sea level rise at two times the global average. We are the lowest lying state in the nation, with 380 miles of shoreline, making us extremely vulnerable to any sea change. Any changes in weather patterns jeopardize Delaware’s $8 billion agricultural industry and tourism economy. For the sake of our economy and our environment, it’s crucial we address climate change.
Standing Together
That’s why Delaware has taken steps to join the national – and international – dialogue on conservation, carbon reduction and climate change. In 2017, Delaware signed on to the U.S. Climate Alliance – a coalition of states and Puerto Rico – which upholds the goals of the global Paris Accord. Because of this promise, Delaware is committed to reducing our emissions by at least 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025.
A few weeks ago, I sat down with Senator Tom Carper, Ranking Member of the Committee for the Environment and Public Works, to discuss Delaware’s role in acting on climate change. We covered all issues from electric fleets to the Clean Air Act. Check out our discussion in this video:
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 and Every Day
On Earth Day, I plan to join many other Delawareans in celebrating the wonderful things that come with preserving our planet, including kayaking on Trapp Pond, zip-lining over Lum’s Pond and enjoying a relaxing on the Delaware beaches. And we will continue to work on preserving those areas for generations to come.
Adithi, Madison, Rachel, Julia and Emma – I’d love to become the newest member of the “We Help the Earth” group. In Delaware, we remain committed to finding solutions to problems that impact our state and our planet.