Building Climate Resilience in Puerto Rico

In 2017, Hurricane Maria caused widespread devastation throughout Puerto Rico. In addition to the significant damage left behind, the storm also revealed a pre-existing issue: the islands lacked the infrastructure to deal with the effects of climate change, particularly in relation to power sources. 

Shortly after the hurricane, Week of Compassion connected with our partner through Global Ministries, AMANESER 2025, who were already working to build more resilient communities that would be better prepared and equipped to withstand future hurricanes and other challenges. 

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In a small disenfranchised community in the mountains of Jayuya, AMANESER 2025 worked with the local community to construct a resiliency hub with solar energy, refrigeration, and a high efficiency washer. As a direct result of this intervention, a dozen homes installed photovoltaic electrical systems that made them energy resilient. The residents also participated in workshops and further trainings to learn more about efficiency and about how to maintain the systems they had installed. 

Over the last four years, communities like this one have faced constant challenges: from drought and additional hurricanes to frequent blackouts. In 2020, all electric service in Puerto Rico was transferred to a single provider, causing significant political conflict and fall-out for customers. Concerns over the treatment of workers, inequity of pay, and the inconsistent availability of service led to the protests that have recently been in the news.   

These combined ongoing challenges mean that the citizens of Puerto Rico continue to live with a shortage of electricity, affecting their daily activities. Medicines and food are often discarded due to lack of adequate refrigeration. Moreover, thousands of merchants and workers live in constant uncertainty because they do not know if their work tools-- from refrigerators to computers--will continue to work amid the frequent sudden blackouts.  

Angel Luis Rivera-Agosto, Global Ministries Area Executive for Latin America and the Caribbean, says that “AMANESER 2025 continues to promote community organization and installation of solar emergency power systems in more than ten municipalities in Puerto Rico. They also continue educating and advocating for a sustainable energy policy on the Island.”

In light of these many challenges, the work of  AMANECER 2025 is critical to the thriving of our siblings in Puerto Rico. Having a sustainable, alternative energy source empowers communities to be more resilient and provides a more hopeful future for many. As the effects of climate change continue to impact the most vulnerable, Week of Compassion is committed to working with our partners around the world, supporting innovation and building resiliency that helps communities to thrive.  

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