Climate Lessons from Chile

On this day in 1810, Chile declared its independence from Spain. Chile has also been the subject of recent headlines as the country endured an 8.3 magnitude earthquake, which caused some severe damage and many aftershocks. The event in itself was traumatic, but when considering the 8.8 earthquake the country already endured in 2010, you can imagine that events of this week caused a particular sense of emotional trauma.

I hope that Chile is able to find some reprieve from recent traumatic events and celebrate its independence in the customary fashion: with barbecues, dancing, pisco and empanadas, and most importantly, family. I honor Chile today, a country I was lucky enough live in during my 20’s, on this very special day: it’s día de Fiestas Patrias.

When I was 21 I moved to Valparaíso, Chile, a port city located in the long, skinny South American country that is home to seemingly every climate that exists on our planet. To the north exists the Atacama, the driest desert in the world. To the south are glaciers and penguins. In between these two extremes lies a milder climate bordered by the nearly impassible Andes mountain range. Valparaíso, in Central Chile, is home to palm trees, flowers, and a temperate, Mediterranean climate. It’s name literally means “Paradise Valley.”

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

Valparaiso, Chile

It’s a city with great allure – one many have never heard of – with cobblestone streets, colorful houses, vistas, ascencores, empanadas. The people there are some of the kindest I’ve ever met with their endearing sing-songy accents. And just as you may not have heard much about this city, you probably have not heard about how climate change is impacting Chile.

Chile is unique in that the country itself is a microcosm of how climate change looks worldwide. Central Chile has a climate similar to that of southern California – and a similar drought that has lasted eight years. This drought contributed to the 2014 “Great Fire of Valparaíso” which destroyed 2,500 homes and left over 11,000 people homeless. It was eerie seeing videos sent from my family of the fire sweeping across the bay, moving from one side to the other. The fire spread quickly because of dry conditions, strong winds, flammable housing materials and moved from hill to hill across the city.

 

As with other climate disasters, the poor were most gravely affected; their homes burned most often because they consisted of the cheaper, flammable materials. My brother, Carlos, told me that in the hours following the fire both people and animals wandered down the hills disoriented from the fire, no homes and nowhere to go. Neighbors gave them clothes or food, but that was about all they could do. This wasn’t just something that occurred in Valpo; wildfires ravaged other parts of Central Chile that in their normal states are lush and green.

In the northern region, the Atacama desert is known to be one of the driest places in the world (locations across the Atacama receive less than 0.2 inches of rain per year) experienced severe flooding. Unusually warm ocean temperatures in the coastal area – approximately 1°C above average – resulted in high amounts of water vapor, triggering exceptionally heavy rainfall.

The Copiapó River, dry for 17 years, rapidly filled with rainwater and overflowed. Cities in the Atacama and Antofagasta regions of northern Chile saw flash floods rush through the towns. Chilean president, Michelle Bachelet, says these events will cost $1.5 billion to repair. The floods claimed the lives of at least 24 people and displaced thousands.

To the south, Chile’s Patagonian glaciers are melting rapidly. The southern Patagonian ice fields are part of the largest mass of ice in the southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica. This rapid melting contributes to global sea level rise. Cornell University researcher Michael Willis noted: “Patagonia is kind of a poster child for rapidly changing glacier systems.” The region, he added, “is supplying water to sea-level at a big rate compared to its size.”

Taken at Latitude/Longitude:-33.043800/-71.626706. 0.38 km North-West Matiz Grande Valparaíso Chile (Map link)

North-West Matiz Grande, Valparaíso Chile

In Chile, just like here in Oregon, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to say “that wildfire was an anomaly” or “wasn’t that storm sure weird?” We’re seeing a trend of unusual, extreme weather brought on by climate change. And while the media may not report on these extreme events very often, they are happening with increasing severity.

These events speak to the urgent need for climate action. As a native Oregonian who left part of my heart in Chile all those years ago, I think of my second home country often in many contexts. In the context of this important climate work we’re doing at OEC, I see extreme climate impacts unfurling in Chile, and draw both inspiration and urgency from these events. What’s happening in Chile represents a microcosm of what’s happening around the globe, and what’s happening in Oregon.

If you haven’t already, join us. Sign the Renew Oregon pledge to transition Oregon away from a pollution-based economy to a clean energy future. Be a part of the movement to make Oregon a leader on climate. Draw inspiration (and urgency) from wherever you’ve traveled, whatever you love, wherever a piece of your heart has been scattered across this planet. For me, it’s Chile. Chile, lindo siempre te llevare en mi corazón.

– Devon Downeysmith, Climate Communications & Outreach Manager

Related Posts
Filter by
Post Page
Policy Featured Climate Protection Air Quality OEC News/Updates/Events Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Eco-Healthy Homes People OEC Staff Job Opportunities
Sort by
The words Action Alert: One Click with an image of the Oregon state capitol and dollar bills with the earth as the center of the bill.

ACT! Fund a STRONG Climate Justice Budget for Oregon

Lawmakers are finalizing the state budget for the next two years. Now is the time to speak up for a strong Climate Justice Budget that protects the environment, uplifts communities, lowers energy bills, and creates clean energy jobs across the state. Use the form below to email your state legislators and urge them to invest in proven programs that deliver for Oregonians. **Please Note: We recommend you
May 16, 2025, 12:34 pm
robinr

9

Image of a semi truck entering Oregon on the highway with the words "Breaking News. Clean Truck Rules Delayed. Read Our Joint Statement on the Impact to Oregon."

BREAKING: Polluters Push Oregon Backward on Clean Air, Public Health, and Climate Action

Today, Oregon’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule was delayed by two years. Predictably, oil and gas interests orchestrated a multi-state campaign to derail similar policies in other states. Their successful attacks now include Oregon’s ACT rules.
May 15, 2025, 10:42 am
robinr

9

Illustrated image of a kitchen featuring an induction stovetop and wall mounted heat pump. Graphics include table/chairs kitchen sink, fridge and include a visual burst to callout the electric devices that are helping the home be more energy efficient.

A Climate Solution You Can Live In: Q&A on Building Resilience

Sometimes big-impact solutions to the climate crisis can feel beyond our control – other times they’re right within reach, like upgrading our homes and buildings. This Q&A with Brad Reed, Director of Building Resilience, highlights how we can transform our homes and communities into climate-resilient havens. From heat pumps to insulation, Brad explains how basic upgrades can protect our health and our communities, while also saving money on
March 3, 2025, 11:38 am
robinr

9

Modern, graphic illustration showing snow capped mountains in blue tones on the left that transitions to a coastal beach scene with a haystack rock in orange and green hues to the right. Large text says "Big Oregon Climate Win!"

Oregon’s Climate Protection Program is Restored!

Oregon just scored a major environmental victory! In a unanimous vote, the Environmental Quality Commission (ECQ) adopted the newly revised Climate Protection Program, reinstating the landmark policy at a time when climate action is critical. This marks the most significant climate action taken in the wake of the federal election.  Now, Oregon’s most influential climate policy is back on the bo
November 21, 2024, 2:13 pm
robinr

9

Climate Protection Program - New CPP Rules Coming Soon

OEC and Allies Push Back Against Fossil Fuel Industry in Climate Battle

As we eagerly await the release of the final rules for Oregon’s Climate Protection Program (CPP), OEC and our partners in the Coalition for Climate and Economic Justice extend a sincere “Thank YOU” to everyone who took the time to submit public comments to help restore this vital program. Together, we’ve taken critical, local action in the glo
October 22, 2024, 2:21 pm
robinr

9

Modern, graphic illustration showing snow capped mountains in blue tones on the left that transitions to a coastal beach scene with a haystack rock in orange and green hues to the right.

Help Restore Oregon’s Climate Protection Program

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) just released draft rules to restore Oregon’s cornerstone Climate Protection Program (CPP), kicking off a short public comment period. Help us restore the CPP and hold polluters accountable!  QUICK LINKS TO TAKE ACTION: -> Send this Letter to DEQ to Restore the C
August 7, 2024, 3:18 pm
noraaoeconline-org

9

oregon mountain cloaked in clouds with pink hue from sunset

Oregon’s Climate Protection Program (CPP) Is Under Attack

Click here for the latest news on the CPP. Editor’s note: This article was updated on 7/31/2024 to reflect actions by the Oregon Department of Environmental
July 31, 2024, 9:41 am
noraaoeconline-org

9

sam pape at age 10 standing on a ledge in front of a large blue lake with cloudy blue sky and mountain range in background

Greetings from a Recovering Climate Pessimist

Dear fellow friends of Oregon, My name is Sam Pape. Nice to meet you! I’m the new Communications and Marketing Coordinator at OEC. I started in an interim role back in February, and was thrilled to recently accept a permanent, full-time position. In other words: I’m here to stay!
May 20, 2024, 11:30 am
samp

9

Stock "We

Climate Program Director

April 16, 2024, 4:09 pm
mcadmin

9

Building Climate Resilience with Better Buildings

Gazing at the downtown skyline of Portland? Rushing through PDX to catch a flight? Lost in the Silicon Forest? You probably aren’t thinking about how to reduce climate emissions. But Oregon’s large office, high-tech and public buildings are one of Oregon’s best opportunities to meet our climate goals by addressing our second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. That’s because the overall “carbon footprint” of
April 8, 2024, 4:36 pm
kevink

9


No Replies to "Climate Lessons from Chile"