More than 30 years ago, under the 1992 Rio Convention, States recognized that the best way to deal with environmental issues is with the participation of all interested citizens. In that same international instance, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was opened for signature with the objective of stabilizing the concentrations of greenhouse gases (or GHG) at a level that would prevent “dangerous” human interference in the climate system.
As the years go by, scientific information on human impact on global environmental conditions is increasing and the consequences are felt in all regions of the world. This is evident in the melting of the poles, the rise in sea level and exposure to increasingly intense meteorological phenomena that expose people to risks and threats, such as forced displacement, in the face of which States have the duty to respond. Act.
Chile is no stranger to this reality, due to the characteristics of the territory, it is highly vulnerable to climate change and its effects occur in people’s daily lives. In reference to this, the Datavoz survey commissioned by the NGO FIMA, showed that 71 % of the people consulted responded that climate change affects their lives. In this way, facing the increasingly pressing climate change then, like any environmental decision, requires an informed and empowered citizenry to participate and demand accountability from governments regarding the actions they take or fail to take.
In the case of Chile, it has been decided to conduct the response to this problem through the Climate Change Framework Law (LMCC), which was promulgated in June 2022. This law requires a series of regulations for its full implementation and validity. and regulatory modifications which, in accordance with the third transitional article of the LMCC, had to be issued within the first year of entry into force, that is, until June 13, 2023.
In this context, Climate Action – From Said to Done (DDAH) arises, a proposal that aims to provide clear and understandable information on the state of progress and compliance with the objectives by the State of Chile in the context of implementation of the Framework Law of Climate change. This study revealed that progress is still pending on 35.9% of the standards that will allow its implementation.
The analysis, promoted by the Intelligent Citizenship Foundation, the Climate Resilience Center (CR2) and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Chile, with the collaboration of the Environmental Law Center (CDA), “Our Green America” (NAVE) and the NGO FIMA aims to provide citizens with a tool with clear and understandable information that enables people to participate and demand urgent actions regarding climate change.
Although progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure that the LMCC is fully in force and meets its mitigation and adaptation objectives against climate change. Since this delay goes against the sense of urgency that the climate emergency poses today.
The commitment of civil society, citizens and organizations, in strengthening access to information and accountability, is essential to maintain pressure and guarantee that the necessary measures are implemented on time.
By Josefina CorreaAdvocacy coordinator of the Intelligent Citizenship Foundation, and Pilar Moragadeputy director of the CR2 Climate and Resilience Science Center and director of the Environmental Law Center of the University of Chile.
