The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce held a climate change summit to address the island’s vulnerabilities. Leaders discussed sustainable development strategies, economic risks, and infrastructure adaptation. Key speakers emphasized potential economic losses and the urgent need for resilient construction standards to protect affected communities and services.
The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce convened a significant summit focused on climate change and its impacts on the island. This event, named “Summit 2025: Alert! Condominiums, Buildings and Climate Change Collapse,” aimed to foster discussions among public, private, and academic leaders on adapting to climate challenges while promoting sustainable economic growth.
Chamber President Luis Pizarro emphasized the importance of the summit by stating that it is critical for ensuring economic development and the construction industry’s viability. The forum addressed structural and regulatory challenges impacting investment and sustainable development in Puerto Rico’s construction sector.
Key topics discussed included real estate security, climate adaptation, innovations in construction, sustainable development regulations, and the implications of climate change for insurance and project financing.
Engineer Carl-Axel P. Soderberg, part of the Climate Change Experts Committee, presented alarming data on the economic consequences of failing to act on climate risks. He projected that by 2050, various sectors could face significant losses, potentially reaching $235 billion in manufacturing and $161 billion in housing, among other figures.
Maritza Barreto, from the University of Puerto Rico, reported on the detrimental effects of rising sea levels on infrastructure. She highlighted the erosion and coastal flooding risks affecting areas like Dorado and Carolina, with 105 road segments already vulnerable.
Barreto elaborated that approximately 22% of Puerto Rico’s population currently lives in low-lying coastal zones, with 32% of crucial infrastructure located within these areas, exacerbating risks to essential services. The summit underscored the urgent need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of climate change.
Pizarro concluded by advocating for a modern, resilient construction sector as vital for Puerto Rico’s economic recovery from climate threats, underscoring sustainable infrastructure’s role in this mission.
The summit hosted by the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce highlighted pressing climate change issues facing the island, emphasizing the need for resilient infrastructure and proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities. With significant potential losses projected in various economic sectors, collaborative efforts involving public and private stakeholders are essential to ensure sustainable development and safeguard Puerto Rico’s future against climate impacts.
Original Source: newsismybusiness.com
