The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce hosted a summit addressing climate change, emphasizing economic and infrastructural risks. Experts urged for resilient development strategies to mitigate these threats. Key discussions included real estate security, climate adaptation, and the impact on critical infrastructure. Estimates predict significant economic losses by 2050 unless proactive measures are adopted.
The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce recently organized a summit aimed at addressing the pressing issue of climate change on the island. The event, named “Summit 2025: Alert! Condominiums, Buildings and Climate Change Collapse,” gathered leaders from diverse sectors to explore resilient strategies for economic development amidst climate challenges.
Chamber President Luis Pizarro highlighted the significance of the forum by stating, “This forum is a key event for the viability of economic development and the construction sector in Puerto Rico,” underlining the urgency of tackling structural and regulatory barriers that hinder sustainable growth and investment.
Key discussions included real estate security, climate adaptation, construction innovations, and the implications of climate change on insurance and project financing. Engineer Carl-Axel P. Soderberg emphasized the dire economic consequences of inaction, projecting potential losses of $235 billion in manufacturing and $161 billion in housing by 2050.
Maritza Barreto, director of the University of Puerto Rico Coastal Planning and Research Institute, elaborated on the threats posed by rising sea levels. She noted the erosion of beaches and the exposure of 105 road segments to coastal flooding. Furthermore, approximately 22% of residents live in low-elevation coastal areas, intensifying vulnerability.
Pizarro reiterated the need for a robust and resilient construction sector, stating, “A modern, safe and resilient construction sector is essential for Puerto Rico’s economic growth,” which illustrates the necessity for sustainable infrastructure to combat climate change’s impact.
The climate change summit held by the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce highlighted critical economic risks and infrastructure challenges faced by the island due to rising sea levels and climate impacts. Key experts emphasized the urgency of developing resilient strategies for sustainable economic growth, while the need for enhanced construction and planning methods was underscored to ensure the future safety and viability of Puerto Rico’s communities.
Original Source: newsismybusiness.com
