Climate preparedness and adaptation training for Delaware communities set March 26-28

The Delaware Coastal Training Program and Delaware Sea Grant are offering Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Training Tuesday through Thursday, March 26-28 for Delaware communities.

The training will be held each day, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the St. Jones Reserve, 818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover.

Trainers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coastal Services Center, along with local speakers experienced in Delaware-specific issues and topics, are presenting this intensive and interactive three-day course developed for local government officials, municipal boards, public works staff, floodplain managers, land use planners, community organizations and environmental groups.

Workshop participants will learn about local climate adaptation efforts from expert practitioners working in Delaware and learn how to identify and integrate climate adaption strategies into policies, plans and programs for their communities.

Session modules and topics include:

• Setting the course for climate adaptation

• Climate science: Comprehending processes and impacts of climate change

• Informing adaptation actions through a vulnerability assessment

• Identification and assessment of adaptation measures

• Applying effective communication for successful adaptation

• Implementation: Turning strategies into action

Space is limited and lunch will be provided each day.  The registration fee is $45. Registration is required by Monday, March 18. To register go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/climatetraining.

Continuing education credits will be offered for this course through the American Planning Association and the Association of State Floodplain Managers. Funding scholarships are available to support attendance by local government officials and community representatives. Contact Wendy Carey at wcarey@udel.edu or 302-645-4258 for assistance.

For more information visit de.gov/dectp or contact Kelly Valenick, Delaware Coastal Programs, Kelly.valencik@state.de.us, 302-739-3436.

Delaware faces multiple challenges from climate change that impact physical, ecological and cultural aspects of the entire state. Climate change effects in Delaware will likely include more extreme weather events, sea level rise, and warmer temperatures. These impacts are likely to magnify many of the hazards our state already faces, which is a reason to be prepared with strategies and actions that will increase the resiliency of our communities.