Powering through climate impacts with renewable energy in Puerto Rico

After Hurricanes Fiona and Maria, thousands of people died in Puerto Rico in part due to power outages that lasted up to a year. 

The island’s dependence on fossil fuels, leaves many people without electricity and affects their quality of life during climate disasters. This means that emergency services like the fire station are not able to function properly and people with chronic illnesses and disabilities, for whom electricity is a lifeline, cannot access what they need to live day to day.

However, having solar panels means that communities can retain energy access during and after extreme weather events and have reliable energy access all year round.

Arturo Massol-Deya, Associate Director of Casa Pueblo shares how the community centre, Casa Pueblo, is leading a Just Energy Transition in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico so that communities can build independence and resilience in the face of climate disasters and colonialism through renewable and distributed energy.

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To learn more visit https://casapueblo.org/