Authors: Rivera, Fernando I.
Abstract/Summary: In the last 20 years, the island of Puerto Rico has undergone a series of environmental, social, and economic crises. While the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017 brought nationwide and international attention to the conditions in Puerto Rico, the island has had a history of exposure to several environmental hazards and risks including tsunamis, floods, tropical storms, coral reef deterioration, severe draught, and coastal erosion. All indicators of the impact of climate change on the island’s ecological infrastructure. In addition to these hazards and risks, Puerto Rico’s financial crisis dating back to the early 2000s has reduced the capacity to maintain critical energy, health care, transportation, and communications structures. This incapacity magnified the impact of Hurricane Maria resulting in 100% loss of electricity and communication during the critical first days after the hurricane.
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