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Climate Action 2016-2017

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first led by wind technologies, then more<br />

recently by solar. We believe in the potential<br />

of solar energy and we seek to enhance the<br />

deployment of this renewable-based source,<br />

which is in abundant supply.<br />

MAINSTREAMING CLIMATE CHANGE<br />

There is already abundant literature on the<br />

opportunities offered by the transition to a low<br />

carbon economy. The 2014 New <strong>Climate</strong> Economy<br />

report, that includes inputs from former Chilean<br />

President Ricardo Lagos, is a good example of<br />

this evidence.<br />

What is the best way to identify and grasp<br />

these opportunities? There is no single answer.<br />

We believe in a comprehensive approach,<br />

seeking to address the various dimensions<br />

of climate change. <strong>Climate</strong> change should be<br />

integrated into the design of public policies,<br />

especially those related to energy, infrastructure,<br />

transport and agriculture, sectors that in the case<br />

of Chile make the largest share in total national<br />

greenhouse gas emissions.<br />

The NAPCC is an example of the application<br />

of this approach. This <strong>Action</strong> Plan has been<br />

developed with inputs from relevant public<br />

actors, in order to adequately integrate<br />

their visions and sectoral priorities. Another<br />

example is the early set-up of a unit that<br />

supports the National Designated Authority<br />

to assess potential project bids to the Green<br />

<strong>Climate</strong> Fund. The Ministries of Environment,<br />

Finance and Foreign Affairs lead this work<br />

through a Technical Secretariat. The process<br />

involves the participation of experts from<br />

the public and private sector, in order to<br />

strengthen the project proposals.<br />

To further strengthen the development<br />

of the climate agenda at the national level,<br />

we are working on the implementation of<br />

best practices and technology transfer in<br />

the productive sector, with a focus on small<br />

and medium enterprises. An example of this<br />

work area is ‘Huella Chile’, a private sector<br />

focused programme aimed at promoting and<br />

supporting the measurement, reporting and<br />

management of greenhouse gases emissions.<br />

The management of emissions can have<br />

significant benefits for companies, including<br />

both real economic savings and a better<br />

corporate image.<br />

USING AVAILABLE TOOLS<br />

By applying the right tools for each country’s<br />

context we can accelerate the transition to a<br />

low carbon economy. Among these tools are<br />

market-based instruments, which can help<br />

to provide the right incentives for greener<br />

decision-making. Carbon pricing is one of<br />

"We are working on<br />

the implementation<br />

of best practices and<br />

technology transfer<br />

in the productive<br />

sector, with a focus<br />

on small and medium<br />

enterprises."<br />

these tools, as prices are a key variable in<br />

public and private economic decisions.<br />

We have delivered concrete progress in this<br />

area. Chile is the first South American country<br />

to have approved a tax on CO 2<br />

emissions - US$5<br />

per ton of CO 2<br />

, applied to thermal generation.,<br />

mostly sources from the electricity generation<br />

sector. In addition, we have set up a green tax<br />

linked to the level of efficiency of new vehicles.<br />

Thus, buyers of low fuel efficiency vehicles will<br />

pay a higher tax. This type of instrument has<br />

benefits that go beyond reducing pollutants<br />

and black carbon. At the same time we are<br />

reducing the levels of air pollution in our cities,<br />

one of our ministerial priorities.<br />

LISTENING, TALKING, DISCUSSING<br />

Partnerships and international initiatives are<br />

other relevant and useful tools for climate<br />

action. Chile participates in the Cartagena<br />

Dialogue, the OECD <strong>Climate</strong> Change Expert<br />

"Countries (including<br />

Chile) must further<br />

strengthen their<br />

institutions to<br />

promote the inclusion<br />

of climate change<br />

in policy decisions<br />

and public investment."<br />

Group, the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition,<br />

and the <strong>Climate</strong> and Clean Air Coalition, among<br />

others. These initiatives are great for sharing<br />

experiences, either to lead by example or to<br />

learn from the experience of others.<br />

Chile is engaged in strengthening<br />

Environmental Democracy in Latin America and<br />

the Caribbean, which involves stakeholders<br />

providing relevant information. We hope soon<br />

to put at the disposal of our societies a robust<br />

regional cooperation instrument on Principle 10<br />

of the Rio Declaration.<br />

NEXT STEPS<br />

In short, there are concrete and positive<br />

developments in the international climate<br />

agenda and in our local work agenda.<br />

However, we know that there are important<br />

gaps. Mitigation commitments included in<br />

those INDCs presented to date are not enough<br />

to keep us on the 2°C path. The effectiveness<br />

of financing mechanisms and other means of<br />

implementation is not yet clear. Domestically,<br />

countries (including Chile) must further<br />

strengthen their institutions to promote the<br />

inclusion of climate change in policy decisions<br />

and public investment.<br />

While the challenges are significant, it is<br />

clear that we are moving in the right direction.<br />

The opportunities that accompany the<br />

new climate economy and the increasingly<br />

widespread evidence of good practices and<br />

benefits from climate action will facilitate the<br />

changes we need.<br />

Pablo Badenier Martinez, Minister of the<br />

Environment of Chile (www.gob.cl/ministers/<br />

ministro-del-medio-ambiente), graduated<br />

as a Marine Biologist at the University of<br />

Valparaiso (Faculty of Marine Sciences)<br />

and holds a Masters degree in Public Policy<br />

and Management at the University of Chile.<br />

Highlights of his career include his role as<br />

Regional Director of the National Environment<br />

Commission of Chile (Metropolitan Region)<br />

between 2003 and 2006. From 2006 to<br />

2010, he served as Executive Secretary of<br />

the Environment and Territory Section of<br />

the Ministry of Public Works. Before being<br />

appointed as Minister of Environment, he<br />

was working as an environmental consultant.<br />

He has over 16 years in development of<br />

environmental impact assessments and<br />

project management; and has also has<br />

developed work in research and teaching in<br />

his areas of expertise.<br />

COUNTRY PERSPECTIVES<br />

www.climateactionprogramme.org 35

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