Chile: environment

How much greenhouse gas does Chile emit?

Chile's total greenhouse gas emissions were 111,049 kilotonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2022, 135% more than in 1990 and 7.1% more than in 2020, according to the Ministry of the Environment's national greenhouse gas inventory.

2022 is the latest year in the inventory. The balance of emissions and removals, which subtracts carbon absorbed by forests, is lower and swings with forest fires: in 2017 fires pushed it to 121,617 kilotonnes. Burning fossil fuels for energy is the main driver of the trend.

Official sources: national greenhouse gas inventory

Where can I check air quality in Chile?

The Ministry of the Environment publishes hourly air quality readings from monitoring stations across Chile, including concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), in the National Air Quality Information System, SINCA.

Readings are used to declare episodes such as alert, pre-emergency and emergency in cities with pollution prevention plans, which happen mostly in winter in central and southern Chile. Data are provisional until validated.

Official sources: SINCA

Where can I find how much of Chile's electricity is renewable?

The National Energy Commission (CNE) publishes a monthly report on non-conventional renewable energy (ERNC), with installed capacity and generation by technology, and a monthly energy sector report, on its reports page. The latest reports listed on 15 October 2026 were for September 2026.

Non-conventional renewables in Chile include solar, wind, small hydro, geothermal and biomass, but exclude large hydro dams, so total renewable generation is higher than the ERNC share alone.

Official sources: reports page

How much CO2 does Chile emit per person?

In 2024, carbon dioxide emissions per person in Chile was 3.9 tonnes, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. The peak was 5.0 tonnes in 2019 and the low 3.6 tonnes in 2005. It is 5th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 2.3 tonnes. World rank, highest first: 65th of 186.

What are Chile's emissions?

118 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent: that is total greenhouse gas emissions in Chile for 2024, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. The peak was 133 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2019 and the low 88.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2005. Latin America & Caribbean median: 19.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; Chile is 6th highest of 33. World rank, highest first: 45th of 186.

How much renewable energy does Chile use?

In 2021, the renewable share of final energy use in Chile was 24.2%, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 24.1% (2017) to 32.9% (2006). Latin America & Caribbean median: 18.9%; Chile is 14th highest of 33. World rank, highest first: 94th of 191.

What share of Chile is covered by forest?

In 2024, forest area as a share of land in Chile was 24.5%, according to the FAO. Its high point since 2005 was 2015, at 24.6%; its low point was 2005, at 23.8%. It is 27th highest of 32 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 50.6%. World rank, highest first: 110th of 190.

What is air pollution like in Chile?

The latest figure from the Global Burden of Disease study, for 2023, is 23.1 micrograms per cubic metre. The peak was 29.2 micrograms per cubic metre in 2022 and the low 20.0 micrograms per cubic metre in 2020. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 15.7 micrograms per cubic metre, and Chile placed 6th highest of 33. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 67th highest.

How much of Chile is in national parks and reserves?

The UN Environment Programme puts the share of land in protected areas in Chile at 21.6% in 2025. No year since 2013 has been higher. Latin America & Caribbean median: 20.1%; Chile is 14th highest of 33. World rank, highest first: 73rd of 192.

Is Chile short of water?

The FAO puts water stress in Chile at 9.0% in 2022. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 14th highest of 32 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 7.7%. World rank, highest first: 92nd of 175.