With a record-breaking 2024 Atlantic hurricane forecast, here’s how scientists are helping Caribbean communities adapt to a warming world

Hardening electric transmission systems and monitoring ocean temperatures are two key priorities.

Jorge González-Cruz, Professor of Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York • conversation
June 5, 2024 • ~8 min

Maui wildfires: Extra logistical challenges hinder government's initial response when disasters strike islands

An expert on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Maria explains why it’s hard for the US to deliver disaster aid in places like Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Ivis García, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University • conversation
Aug. 10, 2023 • ~8 min

Puerto Rico's vulnerability to hurricanes is magnified by weak government and bureaucratic roadblocks

Hurricane Fiona will set back efforts to restore Puerto Rico that date back five years to Hurricane Maria. Two scholars explain how the island’s weak institutions worsen the impacts of disasters.

Fernando Tormos-Aponte, Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
Sept. 21, 2022 • ~11 min

Coastal gentrification in Puerto Rico is displacing people and damaging mangroves and wetlands

Puerto Rico’s tourism industry is booming as nations lift COVID-19 travel restrictions, but development is displacing people who have lived along its coastlines for years.

Hilda Lloréns, Associate Professor, Anthropology & Marine Affairs, University of Rhode Island • conversation
June 16, 2022 • ~10 min

Team links more sun to lower breast cancer risk for women in Puerto Rico

A new study of women in Puerto Rico finds an association between more sun exposure and lower risk of breast cancer.

David Hill-Buffalo • futurity
Jan. 10, 2022 • ~4 min

Puerto Rico has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to build a clean energy grid – but FEMA plans to spend $9.4 billion on fossil fuel infrastructure instead

Four years after Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc on Puerto Rico, federal money to rebuild its electricity system is finally about to flow. But it may not deliver what islanders want.

Rachel Stevens, Professor of Law & Staff Attorney, Vermont Law School • conversation
Oct. 4, 2021 • ~8 min

Puerto Rico isn’t ready for climate-fueled hurricane season

Puerto Rico isn't ready for another hurricane season, according to research on the island's propensity for record-breaking floods and huge landslides.

Rachel White-UT Austin • futurity
June 8, 2021 • ~5 min

Exposure to these metals may alter pregnancy hormones

Research in Puerto Rico indicates how exposure to toxic metals can disrupt pregnancy hormones. That disruption can cause preterm birth and low birth weight.

Michelle Edelstein-Rutgers • futurity
Dec. 21, 2020 • ~5 min

Arecibo telescope's fall is indicative of global divide around funding science infrastructure

The collapse of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico was a result of financial neglect – and was a long time coming.

Raquel Velho, Assistant Professor of Science and Technology Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • conversation
Dec. 11, 2020 • ~7 min

Three scientists on what we learned from the Arecibo radio telescope

The Arecibo radio telescope has collapsed but its amazing discoveries will live on.

Karen Masters, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Haverford College • conversation
Dec. 7, 2020 • ~8 min

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