This report on Chile is part of a series that explores the impacts of climate change and emission reduction activities at the local level. In examining local initiatives in Chile, the authors provide insight into how economic and employment development in this and similar carbon-intensive regions can support both low-carbon transitions and growth.

The report details Chile’s socioeconomic context and its various environmental challenges, including climate change, air pollution, soil and water contamination, waste management, and loss of biodiversity. While the concept of green growth is still nascent in Chile, the report identifies initial steps it can take and details a strategy for future efforts based on three pillars: formulating strategies for making various economic sectors environmentally sustainable, implementing economic instruments and other complementary mechanisms, and fostering innovation.

The report emphasizes the need to assess the impacts of climate change and climate mitigation measures at local and regional levels, not just the national level. It explores examples of local green growth initiatives in Chile, which successfully balanced economic and environmental concerns and, in some cases, social concerns. It concludes with a set of indicators that can be used to assess the progress of local initiatives.