As every year, this June 5 marks World Environment Day, which on this occasion
will put its global focus on the fight against plastic pollution, a point on which
Chile stands as a regional benchmark in the matter, since it was a pioneer in Latin America by
banning single-use plastics in 2021, marking a turning point in the national environmental culture
and generating a contagion effect in the region.
But the Chilean commitment goes far beyond plastic. In recent years, Chile has woven
a solid network of public policies and international agreements that reflect a vision of the future.
In 2022, the Escazú Agreement was ratified, ensuring citizens' access to information,
participation and environmental justice. In addition, the Framework Law on Climate Change, which
converts climate action into State policy and obliges all ministries to integrate the
ecological approach in their decision making.
Another of the most powerful axes is the transition to a low-carbon economy, where it has
established the commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and is advancing with
facts through the closure of its coal-fired power plants, the growing installation of both solar and wind
plants and the development of green hydrogen in the region. The 2023-2030 Action Plan,
in fact, projects investments of more than US$475 billion over the next decade,
consolidating Chile as a key player in the new green economy.
Towards a more decarbonized society
This transformation is also being experienced at the urban level. Santiago is today the city with the most electric
buses in Latin America, with more than 2,200 units in circulation. Another aspect
highlighted by the authorities is the country's commitment to the ocean by protecting
more than 40% of its Exclusive Economic Zone through marine parks and reserves.
In this sense, the Minister of the Environment, Maisa Rojas -who in October 2024 had a
prominent role as Champion in the COP 16 on biological diversity- pointed out: "Chile can
contribute significantly in areas such as marine biodiversity, where we have
demonstrated leadership. Today we have 43% of our jurisdictional waters under protection". The authority also highlighted that "the country has made significant efforts to integrate
biodiversity into its climate policies. This is a global challenge".
But this environmental impulse would not be possible without the support of the citizens. From the Foundation
Imagen de Chile we emphasize that these advances generate pride in the population. This is reflected in the study "Chilean Pride", which revealed that 67% of people feel "high pride" in the actions of
protection of marine areas, and 59% value the conservation of species and biodiversity as
fundamental part of national identity.
"Chile's commitment to sustainable development not only transforms our environment, but
also the way the world perceives us. According to the latest NBI study, which evaluates
the reputation of country brands globally, Chile ranks 32nd in the item of
sustainability, surpassing countries such as Brazil and Mexico. This recognition reinforces our
international image and projects Chile as a serious country, committed and prepared to
lead in the challenges of the future", said María Teresa Saldías Morales, executive director of
Fundación Imagen de Chile.
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