LinkedIn News Article: Councilwoman Maria Cabrera Champions Climate Preparedness at Regional Conference: A Call to Action for Delaware’s Future

At-Large Councilwoman Maria D. Cabrera (center) stands with attendees at the recent Climate Preparedness Conference. Photo by Councilwoman Cabrera.

Councilwoman Maria Cabrera Champions Climate Preparedness at Regional Conference: A Call to Action for Delaware’s Future

By Yesenia Taveras

In the heart of Philadelphia, amidst a room full of government officials, researchers, medical experts, and activists, At-Large Councilwoman Maria D. Cabrera stood with purpose. She had just one message: Delaware cannot afford to be unprepared for the next climate disaster.

At the Climate Preparedness Conference at Drexel University, Councilwoman Cabrera joined the Director of Emergency Management and Delaware community leaders to tackle a growing crisis—how to safeguard our communities against extreme weather events, especially in light of potential emergency funding cuts by the Trump administration.

Climate Preparedness Conference attendees discuss the increasing concern regarding extreme weather events in the region. Photo by Councilwoman Cabrera.

For states like Delaware, where rising sea levels and extreme storms threaten homes, infrastructure, and lives, the stakes are impossibly high. The potential reductions in FEMA funding could mean fewer resources for disaster response, fewer dollars for recovery, and more vulnerable families left in harm’s way.

Hurricane Ida: A Wake-Up Call

Councilwoman Cabrera knows the dangers all too well. She reflected on Hurricane Ida, a storm that many thought had passed—until it wasn’t over.

“Considered a once-in-a-200-year event, Hurricane Ida was the perfect storm,” she explained. “An old quarry overflowed due to incomplete filling, Wilmington’s Brandywine and Christina Rivers experienced high tides, and Glenmoore, PA, released their floodgates—sending massive amounts of water into Wilmington on a sunny day, long after the hurricane had passed. We were not prepared. The community was not prepared. We must prioritize climate preparedness, continue these discussions, and most importantly, take meaningful action at both local and national levels.”

The Rising Threat of Extreme Heat

Beyond storms and flooding, experts at the conference warned about another silent killer—extreme heat. Without proper early warning systems and emergency response strategies, heat-related fatalities will continue to rise, disproportionately impacting low-income communities, the elderly, and people with preexisting health conditions.

The Road Ahead: Resilience, Policy, and Community Action

As conversations continue, Councilwoman Cabrera is committed to ensuring that climate preparedness remains a top priority for Wilmington and beyond. She believes that to act before the next disaster strikes, Policymakers, emergency responders, and community members must come together to advocate for stronger climate preparedness measures.

As part of this ongoing effort, the 11th Street Bridge Committee will continue monthly meetings to address climate resilience, flooding, and infrastructure concerns.

For those who want to stay informed and engaged, resources from the conference, including live notes, survey results, and a Severe Weather Events video, can be found on the Environmental Collaboratory website.

For more information on how to get involved, contact the Walnut Street YMCA at 302-472-9622.