Chile faces increasing environmental risks from wildfires and climate change

Chile is preparing for a new wildfire season under concerning conditions. Data from CONAF analyzed by Greenpeace indicates that over the last two decades, the number of forest fires has increased by 9%, while the affected surface area has grown by 159%. Notably, the area impacted by large-scale fires exceeding 200 hectares has surged by 214%. Experts note that the fire season has extended significantly over the last 10 to 15 years due to heatwaves, dry vegetation, and fuel accumulation.

Beyond wildfires, the country faces broader ecological challenges. The Planetary Health Check 2026 report highlights that seven of the nine planetary boundaries for Earth's stability have been exceeded, with ocean acidification crossing the safe limit in 2025. Chile continues to grapple with a fifteen-year megadrought, unusual precipitation patterns, and increasing pressure on water and ecosystems, even as it seeks a role in the global energy transition through copper, lithium, and green hydrogen production.