Puerto Rico’s Green Surge: Examining the Relationship Between Environmental Laws and Vegetation Vigor Since 2000

Abstract

This research covers the development of environmental law in Puerto Rico between 1897 and 2021, the relationship between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), climate, economy, and environmental laws from 2000 to 2016, and the decline of mangrove forests in southwestern Puerto Rico from 2016 to 2022.

The first part examines the evolution of environmental law in Puerto Rico, revealing a significant increase in federal and local laws after 1960, reflecting a rise in environmental consciousness in the US. The research identifies two distinct legislative periods: federal law dominance from 1960 to 1990 and state law prevalence from 1990 to 2021. The study also shows that federal laws focus on coastal ecosystems and pollution, while state laws concentrate on land ecosystems and resource management. Furthermore, the research highlights the impact of political dynamics on environmental legislation, noting a correlation between political party control and environmental protection.

The second part analyzes the relationship between NDVI, climate data, economic factors, and environmental laws in Puerto Rico from 2000 to 2016. The study uses time series analysis and multiple linear regression to observe a consistent increase in NDVI, indicating improved vegetation health despite slight temperature rises and economic downturns. The research suggests a strong link between increased rainfall, legal measures, and better vegetation health, emphasizing the importance of legal frameworks in ecological conservation.

The third section focuses on the decline of mangrove forests in Cabo Rojo and Lajas, which are essential for coastal protection, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. The study uses remote sensing and various indices to identify a significant decrease in mangrove cover, mainly due to the natural disasters during the study period.

Overall, the research highlights the critical role of legal frameworks in environmental conservation, emphasizing the need for robust laws and policies to protect diverse ecosystems. The study also underscores the importance of political dynamics in environmental lawmaking and the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies in ecosystem management.