Puerto Rico Problems Essay Example

Lin Manuel Miranda once said, “Nothing is better for your soul than to visit Puerto Rico.” Puerto Rico is known for its beautiful beaches and being the perfect vacation spot. However, the people that live here face many challenges. Currently, Puerto Rico’s biggest problems are water pollution, deforestation, and inept leadership.

First, water pollution is an environmental issue that affects Puerto Ricans daily. In fact, the Natural Resources Defense Council states that Puerto Rico suffers the worst rate of drinking water violations of any state or territory in the United States. It is estimated that 97-99.5% of the drinking water is contaminated. Consequently, the toxins present have caused serious health problems, including kidney and liver damage. Despite water pollution being an urgent topic, it will take some time before it is solved. To solve water pollution, we need to make and change laws, invest money in the drinking water infrastructure, and inform more people of this issue. 

Similarly, another environmental issue that Puerto Rico faces is deforestation. According to Global Forest Watch, Puerto Rico has seen a 14% decrease in tree cover since 2000. This is an issue since deforestation can cause climate change, flooding, loss of habitat, and an increase in greenhouse gases. To solve this problem, we need government regulations, reforestation, a reduction in the consumption of paper and to educate others. These solutions take time and money; therefore, deforestation won’t be solved quickly.

Furthermore, both water pollution and deforestation can be blamed on inept leadership. Puerto Rico has dealt with years of recession, mismanagement, and corruption. The people in leadership positions are not doing their jobs in protecting Puerto Rico’s natural resources. Conversely, they are allowing others to destroy our natural resources to construct housing, roads, and establishments that are not essential. Inept leadership in Puerto Rico has been a problem for many years, but recently people have started to protest it. Still, it will take time to undo all the damage that has been made throughout the years.

Finally, Puerto Rico’s incompetent management has led to problems with our natural resources. These are urgent issues that will take some time to solve, thus we must start immediately. Can you imagine a Puerto Rico without water pollution, deforestation, and inept leadership? Now that would be an ideal place to live.