Chile
Chile ranks 12th in this year’s CCPI, dropping one notch but still among the high-performing countries. The country rates high in GHG Emissions, medium in Renewable Energy and Climate Policy, and low in Energy Use. The strong performance in GHG Emissions owes to relatively low emissions of 3.02 tCO2eq/capita (including land use, land-use change, and forestry [LULUCF]).
A New NDC on the Way
With its Framework Law on Climate Change, adopted in 2022, Chile committed to achieving net zero by 2050 and had made progress on climate action over the past few years. Chile’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) was last updated in 2020 and a new NDC is now being worked on.
Policies to reduce GHG emissions have mainly focused on promoting renewable energy and the planned closure or conversion of coal-fired power plants. However, the CCPI country experts note that Chile, as a subsidiary state, has struggled to implement public policies that can truly drive change. This is because legislation often reflects compromises with powerful business interests, resulting in weak implementation and monitoring.
Fossil Fuels Continue to Be Subsidised
While renewable electricity generation has increased, transmission issues remain a critical barrier in Chile, with a significant percentage of generated electricity being lost. Gas and other fossil fuels, such as diesel, also continue to be subsidised. Biomass is frequently used in the southern regions for domestic heating, damaging urban air quality.
The CCPI experts indicate that Chile’s forestry and agricultural sectors receive insufficient attention in public policies aimed at emissions reduction. The government focuses instead on promoting exports. The experts therefore recommend stronger policies on soil conservation, sustainable agriculture, and fire prevention and management.
Overall, the experts want an increase in Chile’s public funding for climate policies to better meet its commitments. Subsidies for fossil fuels also should be reduced. The experts also recommend a shift in focus toward adaptation strategies, as Chile is vulnerable to climate change.
Key Outcomes
- Chile ranks 12th in this year’s CCPI, still among the high-performing countries
- Gas and other fossil fuels, such as diesel, also continue to be subsidised
- Key demands: increase in Chile’s public funding for climate policies to better meet its commitments and reduce of fossil fuel subsidies
CCPI Experts
The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:
