The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce held a summit on climate change, focusing on the economic and infrastructural threats posed by climate change. Experts highlighted the potential losses the island could face by 2050 if proactive measures are not implemented. The event underscored the importance of developing resilient infrastructure and the need for sustainable growth strategies.
The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce recently convened a climate change summit, uniting leaders from various sectors to discuss the significant climate challenges faced by the island. The event, titled “Summit 2025: Alert! Condominiums, Buildings and Climate Change Collapse,” focused on developing strategies that ensure sustainable economic growth in the face of climate change.
Luis Pizarro, President of the Chamber, described the forum as crucial for the economic development and construction sectors in Puerto Rico. He emphasized the need to address structural and regulatory issues that could hinder sustainable investment and growth effectively.
Key topics of discussion included the security of real estate, climate adaptation strategies, innovations in construction, sustainable development regulations, and the effects of climate change on insurance and project financing. Expert Engineer Carl-Axel P. Soderberg highlighted the economic repercussions of neglecting climate risks, suggesting that Puerto Rico could face losses totaling $235 billion in manufacturing and other sectors by 2050.
Maritza Barreto, director of the Coastal Planning and Research Institute at the University of Puerto Rico, warned about the damaging impacts of rising sea levels on infrastructure. She reported that significant coastal erosion affects many areas, and over 100 road segments are now vulnerable to flooding, necessitating urgent action to safeguard the island’s infrastructure.
Barreto’s analysis revealed that 22% of Puerto Rico’s population lived in low-lying coastal areas, with critical infrastructure also at risk due to its proximity to the coastline. Pizarro reiterated the importance of a modern, resilient construction sector, underscoring that sustainable infrastructure is vital for mitigating climate threats and ensuring economic vitality.
In conclusion, the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce summit underscored the pressing need for adaptive strategies to combat climate change’s economic and infrastructural threats. Key insights from experts emphasized the potential financial losses due to inaction and the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure development to protect vulnerable populations. Overall, a collaborative approach is essential for fostering resilience against climate-related risks and ensuring the island’s continued economic growth.
Original Source: newsismybusiness.com
