Climate challenges threaten Greater Santo Domingo: urgency of integrated actions for adaptation.

The vibrant and vulnerable Greater Santo Domingo faces serious challenges caused by vertical growth and the impact of climate change. In a territory where concrete constructions rise as symbols of progress, the reality of urban adaptation to natural phenomena becomes increasingly urgent. The transition from single-family homes to condominiums and towers has pushed the capacity of the sanitary and storm drainage system to its limit, generating serious flooding problems and risks for its inhabitants. The recent and devastating rains on November 4, 2022 exposed the fragility of the infrastructure to the onslaught of nature. From floods in streets, homes, and buildings, to the collapse of overpasses that claimed lives, the population of Greater Santo Domingo faces an alarming reality. Vulnerable houses, both in poor neighborhoods and in more privileged areas, are exposed to catastrophic situations in the face of extreme weather events. Accelerated urbanization, disorderly growth, and lack of territorial planning pose significant challenges in adapting to natural disasters. The lack of resilient infrastructures, coupled with increasing population density, increases the vulnerability of the population to increasingly frequent and intense weather events. Climate change has ceased to be a distant threat and has become an urgent reality that demands immediate action. The population living in poverty is doubly exposed to climate risks, with a high percentage of households vulnerable to floods. The lack of secure housing and economic resources hinders the adaptation of the most disadvantaged communities to the impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, the construction sector, one of the main consumers of natural resources, faces the challenge of transitioning to more sustainable and resilient practices. The need to build sustainable infrastructures becomes imperative to guarantee the safety and well-being of the population. The implementation of urban development policies that promote climate resilience, appropriate territorial planning, and the integration of environmental criteria in construction projects are fundamental aspects in facing the challenges of climate change. The private sector and the Dominican State must join efforts to promote sustainable construction, incentivizing practices that reduce carbon emissions, promote the use of renewable energies, and ensure proper management of natural resources. Education and environmental awareness are also key to driving a change in construction culture and promoting the development of more resilient communities. Greater Santo Domingo is at a turning point, where collective action and the implementation of concrete measures are essential to face the impacts of climate change. Building a sustainable and resilient future for the population requires a joint commitment from all stakeholders involved, from urban planners to builders and society as a whole. Only through a holistic vision and an integrated approach can we build a safe and prosperous future for everyone in Greater Santo Domingo.