Last night was the premiere of the documentary “Cuando el Mar Nos Alcance” (When the Sea Reaches Us), produced by the Caribbean Center for Rising Seas, a program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, in collaboration with the Rising Seas Institute. This short film takes viewers on a visual journey from the majestic, icy landscapes of Greenland to the vibrant and vulnerable shores of Puerto Rico, offering reflections on the consequences of global warming and rising sea levels on coasts worldwide.
The event took place at the Haydée Piñero Buck Auditorium of the Ana G. Méndez University, Carolina campus, before an audience of stakeholders. Attorney Francisco Aquino, Policy and Legislation Manager of the Caribbean Center for Rising Seas served as master of ceremonies. Following the screening, remarks were delivered by Puerto Rican architect Fernando Pabón Rico, AIA, CAAPPR, director of the program.
The concept for the film originated from an expedition to Greenland led by the Rising Seas Institute under the guidance of its president, John Englander. During the expedition, critical observations were documented regarding the impact of melting ice on rising sea levels and its direct connection to Puerto Rico’s coastal communities. Fernando Pabón, who participated in the expedition, stated, “Greenland, like Puerto Rico, has a developed coastal landscape in constant use. However, our vulnerability to rising sea levels is far greater, which compels us to act urgently.”
“For the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, discussing sea level rise and climate change is critical due to the island’s geographical vulnerability and the projected impact of this phenomenon on biodiversity and critical infrastructure in coastal areas,” said Lucy Crespo, CEO of the Trust. “It is vital to define strategies for preparation, adaptation, and mitigation, considering scientific data and decades of foresight.”
The documentary reminds us that climate change presents three critical challenges for society: Building resilience against extreme weather events, producing energy without exacerbating global warming, and adapting to rising sea levels and their effects.
It also delves into the primary causes of sea level rise, including: The displacement of ice from land into the ocean, meltwater flowing from land into the sea, and the thermal expansion of water due to global warming.
The documentary’s core message underscores the urgent need for immediate action and global collaboration to tackle these challenges. As Pabón noted, “Ignoring the impacts of climate change would be the worst decision humanity could make.”
As Carlos Gómez, engineering specialist of the program mentioned, the documentary will be available for free starting December 12 on the website cuandoelmarnosalcance.org. It will also be available on the YouTube channel: FideicomisoTV. During the event, the launch of the Screening Tour: Cuando el Mar Nos Alcance was also announced, an initiative aimed at bringing this message to businesses, communities, and institutions interested in exploring this topic further. For more information, please contact the Caribbean Center for Sea Level Rise at [email protected].
About the Caribbean Center for Rising Seas:
The mission of this program is to prepare Puerto Rico and the Caribbean to adapt and thrive in the new era of increasing flood risks from storms, tides, and sea level rise. This program aims to further establish Puerto Rico’s leadership and position as a hub of excellence and innovation.
About the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust:
The Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, as described in Public Law 214, is a private nonprofit organization established in 2004 to promote the Island’s participation and job creation in the global knowledge economy by promoting investments and financing for research and development in science and technology. It invests, facilitates, and develops capacities that continually advance Puerto Rico’s economy and the well-being of its citizens through research and development-based enterprises, science and technology, public health, and innovation, aiming for Puerto Rico to be a globally recognized center of innovation. For more information: www.prsciencetrust.org.
