Chilean environmental authorities report air quality improvements and new educational initiatives

In Chile, environmental authorities have reported significant developments regarding air quality management. In the Metropolitan Region, July 2026 concluded without any critical pollution episodes, such as alerts, pre-emergencies, or emergencies related to fine particulate matter (MP2,5). This marks the first time comparable records show no such critical episodes for the month of July. Officials attribute this improvement to better ventilation in the Santiago basin and the intensification of measures under the Atmospheric Prevention and Decontamination Plan (PPDA), which includes vehicle restrictions and bans on wood heaters.

Meanwhile, in the Ñuble region, the SEREMI of the Environment has extended the registration period for a free online course titled ‘Air Quality and Environmental Education’. The deadline is now August 19, with 75 available spots. The training, which begins on August 25, aims to educate citizens on the health and environmental effects of atmospheric pollution. This initiative supports the new Atmospheric Decontamination Plan (PDA) currently being developed for the Central Valley of Ñuble, which will expand air quality management to 13 communes to reduce fine particulate matter (MP2,5) levels.