puerto rico Archives - State of the Planet

solar panels on walmart roof

$12 Billion Investment in Puerto Rico’s Energy System Must Not Replicate Existing Harms

Unprecedented federal funding to fix PR’s electric system has the potential to save lives and build resilience by investing in distributed solar power. Yet so far it appears to be business as usual.

by Ruth Santiago |March 7, 2022
solar panels on rooftop

Renewables Are Key to a Just Energy Future for Puerto Rico

FEMA’s $9.6 billion funding for electric system work in Puerto Rico presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the energy system, making it healthier for residents and more resilient against future disasters.

by Ruth Santiago and Michael B. Gerrard |July 15, 2021

Rain, More Than Wind, Led to Massive Toppling of Trees in Hurricane Maria, Says Study

The surprising finding suggests that future hurricanes stoked by warming climate may be even more destructive to forests than scientists have already projected.

by |March 9, 2020
students and solar panels

Power to the People

A team of students designs and implements an off-grid solar panel system to help victims of Hurricane Maria.

by Kathrin Havrilla-Sanchez |January 22, 2020
model of a house

13 Proposals to Boost Resilience in Vieques, Puerto Rico

Working closely with Vieques residents, graduate students designed solutions to help the tiny island recover after Hurricane Maria and weather future storms. Their proposals are published in a new report.

by |December 6, 2019
design layouts

Building Resilience in Vieques, Puerto Rico

In the two years since Hurricane Maria, the Urban Design Lab has been working with the small island community to design resilient homes, community centers, and sustainable infrastructure.

by |September 20, 2019
Carlos Torres

The Difficulties of Restoring Power in Puerto Rico

Putting the lights back on in Puerto Rico was the most challenging mission of his career, says Carlos Torres in a new episode of the Columbia Energy Exchange podcast.

by |September 11, 2018

Climate Change and the Re-Greening of Puerto Rico

Ecologist Maria Uriarte investigates the effects of Hurricane Maria on the forests of Puerto Rico, and how long-term climate change may affect them.

by |March 22, 2018
Hurricane maria's destruction in puerto rico

Puerto Rico Faces a Long Road to a Sustainable Future

Puerto Rico suffered an estimated $94 billion or more in damage, on top of an already sagging economy and $74 billion in debt. The island needs a total reboot. Can it do it sustainably?

by |November 30, 2017

Forging Partnerships for Resilient, Low-Carbon Electricity Systems

As cities begin to rebuild infrastructure ravaged by hurricanes, now is the time to adopt climate-resilient energy systems. Innovative collaborations between public and private stakeholders can help.

by |October 13, 2017