Colonialism, Injustice, and Climate Change in Puerto Rico

As the world grapples with the escalating threat of climate change—evidenced by this past summer’s disasters—it is crucial to recognize the systemic inequalities that intensify its effects on vulnerable populations. Puerto Rico exemplifies how historical colonial actions and enduring inequalities can exacerbate the catastrophic impacts of climate change. This article explores Puerto Rico’s colonial history, the resultant infrastructural challenges, and how these factors contribute to the island’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate crises.

By Armaan Sharma

The developing world is beset by numerous challenges, one of which is the enduring legacy of colonialism. Puerto Rico, often overlooked in discussions of this issue, is no exception. For over five centuries, this small island has been subjected to various colonial powers, most recently the United States. In the mid-20th century, more than fifty years after the U.S. annexed the former Spanish colony, it implemented modernization initiatives under Operation Bootstrap. This led to significant investments in essential infrastructures, including public schools, healthcare, housing, roads, and the power grid. Puerto Rico was positioned as a model of industrialization; however, it was largely neglected when the financial crisis of the late 20th century struck. The island’s reliance on foreign economic support—rooted in its colonial past—meant that when American investment waned, Puerto Rico’s vital institutions crumbled. Today, the island continues to face declining economic conditions, with frequent blackouts, water shortages, and rising unemployment.

Puerto Rico’s deteriorating infrastructure has intensified the disastrous impacts of climate change on the island. A report from Climate Change Resources indicates that sea levels around Puerto Rico have risen by approximately half a foot since 1880, with projections suggesting an increase of 22 inches by 2060. This rising sea level significantly heightens the risk of flooding. When coupled with the island’s already fragile infrastructure—roads, housing, and water systems—natural disasters like hurricanes and tropical storms wreak such havoc that recovery appears elusive. Puerto Rico’s small geographical size further exacerbates these challenges, as the island relies heavily on imported fuel. As climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes, the importation of essential fuel becomes increasingly problematic. Compounding this issue is the island’s outdated and vulnerable power grid, which often leaves residents without electricity in the aftermath of such disasters.

Representative Mariana Nogales succinctly describes Puerto Rico’s situation as one of “eternal fragility.” Recent climatic events underscore this reality. In 2017, Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico as a Category 4 hurricane, marking the most devastating natural disaster in the island’s recorded history. The storm resulted in over 3,000 fatalities and incurred losses exceeding $100 billion. Tragically, this hurricane foreshadowed future calamities. Just weeks ago, Hurricane Fiona followed a similar destructive path, with studies indicating that climate change exacerbated both events and is increasing the likelihood of future occurrences due to rising air and water temperatures. While the effects of climate change may be inevitable, the damage it inflicts can be mitigated. Florida often endures the same hurricanes that devastate Puerto Rico but typically recovers rapidly. The difference lies in prioritization.

Puerto Rico’s colonial legacy has fostered a cycle of neglect that perpetuates tragedy. Today, Puerto Rico remains an unincorporated territory, with the United States maintaining a tenuous grip on its governance. This precarious relationship leaves Puerto Rico vulnerable to constant disasters without the means to effect meaningful change. Currently, about 50% of the island’s transmission lines and distribution feeders are damaged, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and water. The lack of access to clean water not only increases mortality rates from waterborne illnesses but also exacerbates economic struggles by crippling the island’s potential for growth. Unfortunately, neglect does not exist in isolation; each hurricane and each instance of inadequate recovery deepens Puerto Rico’s dependence on external support that is already lacking. The cycle of devastation will continue, and there may come a point when merely revitalizing infrastructure will no longer suffice. Therefore, the American government faces a pressing question: is it genuinely in their best interests for Puerto Rico to be portrayed solely through the lens of poverty and destruction? Because this portrayal is a choice, not an inevitability.

References

Climate Change Resources |. (2021). PUERTO RICO | Climate Change Resources. [online] Available at: https://climatechangeresources.org/learn-more/states/puerto-rico/#:~:text=Sea%20lev el%20rise%20is%20another,projecting%2022%20 inches%20by%202060 [Accessed 5 Oct. 2022].

Coto, D. (2022). Officials detail Hurricane Fiona damage to the Puerto Rico grid. [online] AP NEWS. Available at: https://apnews.com/article/hurricanes-caribbean-storms-power-outages-puerto-rico-5d54ac54f0cc1b69c3c2294a4638d9db  [Accessed 5 Oct. 2022].

River, Ivelisse et al. (2022). Puerto Rico power grid no match for Fiona; residents unsurprised. [online] Reuters. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/some-13-million-customers-without-power-puerto-rico-after-hurricane-fiona-2022-09-20/ [Accessed 5 Oct. 2022].

Martín, Carolos. (2017). How Hurricane Maria exposed Puerto Rico’s ‘colonial boom and bust’. [online] Available at: https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/how-hurricane-maria-exposed-puerto-ricos-colonial-boom-and-bust [Accessed 5 Oct. 2022].