Climate change and communities' vulnerability to sea level rise at the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, (2005-2015)

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to measure the effects of sea level rise (SLR) in several communities of the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It also determi- ned the perceptions of residents about the effects of climate change and SLR over their health, property, and quality of life. This study established a short (33 years) and long term (100 years) vulnerability analysis for the communities affected by sea level rise and climate change. Vulnerability studies were carried out using geographical information system tools created for interpolation, spatial regression, and multivariable analysis. We found that Ocean Park and Old San Juan were the com- munities most vulnerable to SLR, as perceived by its own people. The communities with the lower index to seal level vulnerability were: Las Curias and La Sierra.