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 />
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