Air Pollution's Early History In Chile

Air pollution has been a long-standing issue in Chile, with the country facing toxic emissions from industrialization and other environmental factors. The capital city of Santiago, nestled between mountain ranges, often experiences poor air quality due to its basin-like landscape, trapping pollutants and creating a stagnant cloud of smog. This issue came to a head in 1996 when heavy smog led to a violent influenza outbreak, resulting in approximately 3,500 hospitalizations. Since then, Chile has been actively tackling air pollution, with the government implementing various measures, including the Climate and Clean Air Coalition in 2012, to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Santiago's air pollution

Santiago, Chile's capital, is nestled between two mountain ranges: the Andes and the Cordillera de la Costa. This unique geographical location creates a valley or "bowl-like" shape that traps pollutants, generating a stagnant cloud of smog. The city's altitude ranges from 450 meters on the western side to over 750 meters on the eastern side, further exacerbating the issue of air pollution.

The main contributors to Santiago's air pollution are vehicle exhaust fumes, fossil-fuel-powered power stations, and various industrial processes. The city's position in a valley exacerbates the problem, as the basin-like shape traps pollutants, creating a stagnant cloud of smog that persists due to minimal ventilation. The combination of industrial emissions and geographical factors makes Santiago particularly susceptible to poor air quality.

In recent years, the Chilean government has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving air quality through various initiatives. The "Santiago Respira" campaign, launched in 2014, aims to reduce global emissions of particulate matter by 60%. Additionally, the government has implemented a vehicle emissions tax, resulting in a 30% reduction in carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions between 2015 and 2016. Chile has also been a part of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition since 2012, working with other governments and organizations to reduce methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbon emissions.

Despite these efforts, Santiago continues to face air quality challenges. In 2020, the city reported "Moderate" levels of air quality for eight months, with the summer months of May, June, and July being "Unhealthy for sensitive groups." The growth of industrialization and environmental factors, such as drought conditions, continue to impact the region's climate and the health of its citizens. However, there is a general improvement in air quality over the years, with a marked improvement in 2020 compared to previous years.

Firewood emissions

While it is unclear when air pollution began in Chile, the country has been facing air pollution challenges for many years. Chile is one of the most air-polluted countries in the world, and its capital city, Santiago, has been particularly affected by smog and poor air quality.

In some Chilean cities, firewood produces up to 94% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions, far exceeding Chilean standards. The use of firewood for heating is particularly prevalent in the southern regions of Chile due to firewood being the cheapest energy source available. It is up to six times cheaper than alternatives like diesel, gas, or electricity. However, burning firewood in densely populated urban areas has severe consequences.

The climatic conditions in central-southern Chile also contribute to high heating energy consumption and PM2.5 emissions. The bowl-like shape of Santiago, nestled between the Andes and Cordillera de la Costa mountain ranges, creates a valley with minimal ventilation. This topography traps pollutants and generates a stagnant cloud of smog, especially during the winter when there is little rain or wind to disperse it.

The Chilean government has implemented various strategies to mitigate firewood emissions and improve air quality. These include:

• Subsidizing insulation in low and middle-income households to reduce heating demand and lower bills and emissions.
• Replacing firewood stoves with pellet stoves and air-to-air heat pumps, although these alternatives have higher global costs.
• Providing subsidies to improve the housing envelope, enhancing thermal efficiency and reducing energy poverty.
• Participating in the international Climate and Clean Air Coalition since 2012 to reduce methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbon emissions.
• Implementing a 2014 vehicle emissions tax, which led to a 30% reduction in carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions between 2015 and 2016.

Industrial revolution emissions

The Industrial Revolution, which began in the 19th century, brought about a manufacturing shift from agricultural assistance to heavy industrial machinery, powered by fossil fuels like coal. This marked the start of our intensive use of fossil fuels, which are the driving force behind climate change.

The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas to deliver energy for society has resulted in the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. The burning of coal, in particular, was a key factor in the Industrial Revolution, with its popularity as a fuel source spreading across Europe, Asia, and the United States. Coal helped power new factories, ships, and trains, as well as smelt iron and provide heat for many homes.

The Second Industrial Revolution, from the late 19th century to World War I, further increased carbon dioxide emissions. This phase drove mass production and the growth of heavy industries, leading to exponential increases in energy consumption and resource extraction. Each phase of industrialization added to the cumulative environmental strain, causing significant increases in air pollution, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions.

The environmental consequences of the Industrial Revolution were severe and far-reaching. The rapid industrial growth outpaced the ability to manage waste and emissions, resulting in long-term damage to the environment and public well-being. The focus on productivity and economic growth came at the expense of environmental sustainability, setting in motion a pattern of unchecked resource exploitation and high emissions that continue to impact the world today.

While the Industrial Revolution brought about advancements and economic growth, it also had significant downsides, including the sharp increase in carbon emissions and harmful environmental pollution that continue to pose challenges for societies around the world.

Vehicle emissions

Air pollution in Chile has been a growing concern over the last 40 years, with the country being labelled as one of the most air-polluted countries in the world. The capital, Santiago, is surrounded by mountains and has little rainfall, causing a build-up of smog and particulate matter.

To legally drive a vehicle in Chile, a coloured sticker must be attached, indicating the regions in which the vehicle is permitted to operate. The stickers are based on vehicle class and emission standards. The Santiago Metropolitan Region has more stringent standards than the rest of the country due to its severe pollution problems. In 2010, a decree was issued to accelerate the adoption of cleaner vehicles in the region.

In 2017, a decree was passed requiring all diesel-powered cars and trucks to meet the same standards on smoke opacity levels. The following year, Santiago became the first Latin American city to adopt Euro VI emissions standards for its public transportation system.

Chilean heavy-duty vehicles adhere to European or US standards, with a mix of dual standards. While there are nationwide standards, some regions have implemented additional regulations to address their unique pollution challenges. For example, the Santiago Metropolitan Region has a Low Emission Zone for heavy vehicles and a voluntary truck scrappage program.

The country's commitment to the Breathe Life Campaign, led by the World Health Organization and the Climate & Clean Air Coalition, further demonstrates its dedication to improving air quality. Santiago has been at the forefront of these efforts with its Santiago Respira campaign, which aims to reduce global particulate matter emissions by 60%.

Health impacts

Air pollution has been a significant issue in Chile for several decades, with the country being ranked among the most air-polluted countries globally. The problem has worsened due to increased industrialization and environmental factors, affecting the region's climate and the health of its citizens.

Air pollution in Chile has severe health implications, causing approximately 4,000 premature deaths annually, with over a third attributed to respiratory diseases. The elderly population is particularly vulnerable, with increased susceptibility to dying from air pollution. Research shows that the percent change in mortality was 2 to 3 times greater for those aged 85 and above compared to those under 65. Adverse health effects have also been observed in those over 65.

The very young are also at risk, with air pollution linked to preterm birth, intrauterine growth retardation, sudden infant death syndrome, and infant mortality.

The toxic air quality in Chile's capital, Santiago, caused a violent spread of influenza in 1996, resulting in approximately 3,500 children being hospitalized daily. The situation was so dire that the government was forced to declare a citywide environmental emergency in 1999.

The country's air pollution crisis has economic repercussions as well, costing the health sector at least $670 million annually and resulting in an estimated loss of $451 to $856 million in productivity.

Mitigation Efforts

Chile has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving air quality and has implemented various measures to reduce pollution. The government has introduced taxation policies, such as a vehicle emissions tax, which led to a 30% drop in carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions between 2015 and 2016. Additionally, tax relief is provided for the import of less polluting vehicles that meet 'Euro 6' standards.

Chile is also actively involved in the Breathe Life Campaign, a joint initiative by the World Health Organization, UN Environment, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. This campaign aims to achieve the World Health Organization's air quality targets by 2030. Santiago, the epicenter of the country's air pollution crisis, has made significant strides with its "Santiago Respira" campaign, reducing particulate matter emissions by 27.6%.

The government is also addressing the issue of firewood and wood-burning stoves, which contribute significantly to fine particulate matter emissions. They provide subsidies for insulation and cleaner heaters in low and middle-income households, reducing the demand for heating and associated emissions.

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