Chile

Chile ranks 7th, up five spots in the CCPI and remaining among the high-performing countries. Chile earns a high rating in GHG Emissions, low in Energy Use and medium in Renewable Energy and Climate Policy.

Chile consolidated its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 with the publication of its Ley Marco de Cambio Climático (Climate Change Framework Law) in 2022. The law’s commitments are legally binding, yet the CCPI country experts see challenges in the implementation processes if goals are to be met at the national and international levels. Chile submitted its renewed and slightly more ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) at the end of September 2025.

Subnational governments develop their climate action plans in coordination with national and sectoral plans. These are currently being developed and the results will be seen in their implementation. The experts criticise the uneven process due to the different levels of resources, capacities, and commitment of political leaders.

Fossil import and biomass pollution remain a problem, though electric vehicle update in the public domain is a positive

Chile imports 90% of its fossil fuels and has yet to eliminate its diesel subsidy. The closure of coal-fired power plants being part of a voluntary agreement is another area of critique.

For the transport sector, the experts take a positive view of the significant incorporation of electric buses and buses with high-tech standards. Private individuals’ use of electric vehicles is still not common, leaving room for improvement on a larger scale.

Biomass is the main cause of air pollution in cities in the country’s south, and also causes indoor air pollution. The effects are unequal, with poorer populations using residential wood burning for heating, which releases high levels of fine particulate matter. This pollution is concentrated during the winter. The experts advocate for increased restoration and protection of forests, soils, wetlands, peatlands, and coastal areas to ensure the maintenance of carbon reservoirs. They also recommend committing to increasing protected areas and their native reforestation.

The experts recommend increased coordination between the different government levels to ensure implementation and continued processes, and putting a greater focus on decarbonisation, restoration of affected areas, and restoration of ecosystems for carbon capture.

Key Outcomes

CCPI experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

• Cecilia Ibarra (Académica de la Facultad de Gobierno)