California’s drought and the severe snow that hit the Northeast earlier this year may grab the headlines but a report in the Wall Street Journal reminds us of often-overlooked areas at risk from climate change. Kate Gordon, vice president and director of the energy and climate program at Next Generation, says that the 16 US island territories are home to 4 million people, many of whom are US citizens. Gordon warns that while we often hear of the threat to US coastlines, these islands will be affected before that. She highlights Puerto Rico where coastlines are being eroded at a rate of 3.3 feet every year and the coast is home to 3.5 million people. She also warns that the manufacturing industry on which the island relies will be hit with increasing energy costs caused by climate change. In conclusion she says it is our “moral responsibility” to ensure that these island territories are prepared and resilient.
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