2019 No Escape

On October 30, 2019, the Institute of Ecotechnics, in partnership with the Luis Muñoz Marín Foundation and Tropic Ventures Sustainable Forestry Project, organized the landmark symposium “No Escape: The Reality of Climate Change Here and Now” at the Luis Muñoz Marín Foundation in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Conceived as an interdisciplinary forum to confront the growing realities of climate change, the symposium brought together leading scientists, environmental managers, educators, policymakers, students, and concerned citizens to explore practical strategies for adaptation, resilience, and environmental stewardship.

The full-day conference featured 20 expert presentations, a one-hour interdisciplinary panel discussion, and 13 exhibition booths, offering participants opportunities to engage directly with organizations, researchers, and community initiatives addressing climate change from multiple perspectives. Topics included environmental health, sustainable agriculture, tropical forestry, urban planning, the built environment, coastal erosion, ecosystem restoration, socio-economic impacts of climate change, disaster preparedness, resilience planning, environmental education, and ongoing scientific research, including studies within El Yunque National Forest. The program emphasized the importance of integrating scientific research, public policy, ecological restoration, and community engagement to address one of the defining challenges of the twenty-first century.

The symposium welcomed distinguished speakers from Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and the continental United States, as well as internationally renowned scientists. Among the keynote participants was Sir Ghillean Prance, former Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, whose work in tropical botany and rainforest conservation has had a profound global influence. The diversity of speakers reflected the conference’s commitment to fostering dialogue across disciplines and geographical boundaries.

Public response to the event was overwhelming. Admission was free, and the symposium reached full capacity within days of its announcement. To broaden public access, the entire conference was broadcast live through the Luis Muñoz Marín Foundation’s Facebook platform, allowing audiences throughout Puerto Rico and beyond to participate virtually in the discussions.

The symposium was made possible through the generous support of numerous organizations committed to environmental conservation and climate resilience, including Para la Naturaleza, The Nature Conservancy in Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust, Oxfam America, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, the Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Studies at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, Puerto Rico Hardwoods, and private donors.

“No Escape: The Reality of Climate Change Here and Now” was a significant public conference in Puerto Rico, demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to bridge science, policy, education, and public engagement. By bringing together experts and citizens in a shared dialogue, the symposium reinforced the Institute’s long-standing commitment to developing practical, ecologically informed responses to the complex environmental challenges facing society today.