For decades, Puerto Rico has faced a significant brain drain, with many skilled individuals leaving the island for better educational and employment opportunities on the mainland.
This exodus has severely impacted Puerto Rico’s economy, particularly in the wake of natural disasters like Hurricanes Irma and Maria. However, a promising shift is emerging as some of these individuals return to the island, driven by a commitment to rebuilding their homeland.
The aftermath of Hurricane Maria, in particular, underscored Puerto Rico’s environmental, economic, and energy challenges. The Category 4 storm damaged 80% of the power grid, leaving the island in darkness and prompting privatization. A partnership with LUMA Energy–a U.S.-Canadian joint venture–was established to manage and modernize operations. However, LUMA’s tenure has been marred by frequent power outages and widespread dissatisfaction.
The Category 4 storm damaged 80% of the power grid, leaving the island in darkness and prompting privatization.
total economic damage caused by Hurricane Maria
of Puerto Rico’s power grid was destroyed
of Puerto Rico’s agriculture was destroyed
In light of LUMA’s shortcomings, community-led initiatives focused on sustainability have become paramount to Puerto Rico’s revival. One such example is the Cooperativa de Energía La Margarita Abeyno, which is working to enhance the island’s energy infrastructure by promoting and installing renewable energy grids–one neighborhood at a time.
At the same time, the island's agricultural sector has been in decline ever since the mid-20th century, when industrialization shifted the economy away from farming and into manufacturing. Today, Puerto Rico is one of the highest food-importing territories in the world, which puts its residents in serious jeopardy when tropical storms prevent ships from coming into port.
However, innovative grassroots initiatives like El Departamento de la Comida are working to foster sustainable farming practices and reconnect communities with locally grown food. Their focus on community-supported agriculture aims to reduce dependency on imports while supporting local farmers.
These innovative efforts highlight how local residents are addressing immediate recovery needs while striving for long-term self-sufficiency. Despite Puerto Rico’s obstacles, the growing return of skilled Puerto Ricans and their grassroots efforts signal hope. By fostering innovation and sustainability, these individuals are paving the way for a more resilient future for Puerto Rico.