Posted on March 31, 2025
To mitigate these impacts, solutions such as the construction of natural barriers, mangroves and coral reefs are proposed.
Coastal erosion, caused by the climate crisis, will cause the municipalities of Loíza, Cataño, and Barceloneta to become small islands by 2050.
This was predicted by Carlos M. Padín Bibiloni, former secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and director of the Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences at Ana G. Méndez University, Gurabo campus, in his presentation at the Third Coastal Erosion Summit.
“There’s a reality we’re all going to face if urgent action isn’t taken: over time, coastal erosion will cause Loíza, Cataño, and Barceloneta to become small islands due to coastal erosion. That’s how serious this situation is,” predicted Padín Bibiloni.
Some of the factors that Padín Bibiloni mentioned as causing these municipalities to become islands include the impact caused by cold fronts and tropical cyclones, whose intense winds and storm surge directly affect the coasts, eroding the terrain and causing the displacement of sand and sediment.
In fact, even the position of the Moon influences the tides, which contributes to intensifying the impact of waves and accelerating the erosion process, Padín Bibiloni also stated in his presentation entitled “Coastal Erosion in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean: Causes, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies.”
The impact of coastal erosion in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean was analyzed, identifying the main causes affecting coastal stability in this region.
To mitigate these impacts, solutions such as the construction of natural barriers, mangroves, and coral reefs are proposed, which act as natural protectors against the force of the waves.
Padín Bibiloni, a member of the Committee of Experts and Advisors on Climate Change, also discussed the importance of implementing sustainable coastal management policies, including beach restoration and the creation of buffer zones.
Regarding available alternatives, for example, Padín Bibiloni also recommended restoring beaches by replacing sand to offset erosion, at a cost of between $15 and $40 per cubic meter.
The expert also mentioned other security methods, such as artificial dunes, retaining walls, land elevation, and relocating at-risk populations to safer areas.
