Explore historical and projected climate data, climate data by sector, impacts, key vulnerabilities and what adaptation measures are being taken. Explore the overview for a general context of how climate change is affecting Puerto Rico.
The archipelago of Puerto Rico includes the main island of Puerto Rico (the smallest of the Greater Antilles) and a number of smaller islands, the largest of which are Mona, Vieques, and Culebra. The total area of the main island is 9,105 km2. According to the 2010 census, Puerto Rico had a population of 3,725,789, a 2.2% decline compared to the year 2000. Puerto Rico's GDP (PPP) is estimated at $130 billion (2017) with industry contributing 50.1%, services 49.1% and agriculture 0.8%. Until 2006, Puerto Rico's economy was one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region. However, since the first quarter of 2006, the economy of Puerto Rico has been contracting leading to a reduction in job opportunities. As a result, there has been an increase in outmigration.
Puerto Rico is especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its geographical location. In 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated the territory and caused an extensive loss of infrastructure, electrical power outages to 90% of the territory, and contamination of potable water. Economic damages and losses from Hurricane Maria amount to $43 billion. In November 2018, the Puerto Rico Pledge for Climate Change was announced. Benchmarks under this initiative include: 100% renewables by 2050 (40% by 2023); increasing reforestation efforts; 50% reduction in carbon footprint in the next 5 years; and Climate Change Education.
The section provides access to historical climate datasets for both temperature and precipitation from 1900 to 2016.
The section provides access to future climate datasets for both temperature and precipitation and their statistical derivatives for various timeframes and emission scenarios from 2020 to 2099.
The section provides access to future climate datasets for both temperature and precipitation and their statistical derivatives for various timeframes and emission scenarios from 2020 to 2099.
This section contains information from multiple climate indicators and indices relevant for key economic sectors. Simple narratives can help you interpret and extract summaries of potential climate change impacts at the sector level.
Explore furtherThis section allows you to explore the susceptibility of livelihoods and natural systems to impacts from climate variability and change and facilitate the exploration of socioeconomic and development data and its relationships with natural hazards vulnerable areas.
Explore furtherThis section allows you to explore the climate information from multiple climate indicators and present them with simple, embedded interpretation for an informative, high-level summary of the potential for future climate change impacts on key socioeconomic sectors.
Explore furtherThis section helps you grasp key national adaptation policies and reports, explore options for key sectors, and understand current adaptation gaps and needs for enhanced climate smart planning.
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