Average carbon footprint in Chile

Chile emits about 4.0 tCO2e per person per year (territorial emissions). That places it around #34 globally, which is considered typical on a per-person basis.

This is about 16% below the global median of ~4.7 tCO2e per person. Within South America, Chile ranks around #1 and sits about 76% above the regional median of ~2.3.

Population is roughly 19.8 million (2024).

GDP per capita is approximately $16,710 (2024).

Urban population is around 89% (2024).

Electricity renewables share is roughly ~70% of electricity.

Grid carbon intensity is roughly ~265 gCO2/kWh.

Per-capita emissions divide a country's total CO₂ output by its population. That lets us compare nations fairly regardless of size. A large country with high total emissions can still have low per-person emissions if its population is very large.

Globally, the main sectors driving emissions are electricity and heat, transport, industry, buildings, and food. The mix varies by country: colder climates often use more heating; car-dependent societies have higher transport emissions; industrial economies tend to show more industry-related CO₂.

For Chile, with typical per-capita emissions, there is room to improve. Many countries at similar levels have cut emissions while maintaining or growing their economies through electrification, renewables, and efficiency gains.

GDP per capita is roughly $16,710 (2024). Economic activity typically drives emissions through industry, transport, and residential energy use. The pace of electrification and clean energy deployment will shape future trajectories.

Around 89% of the population lives in urban areas (2024). Urbanization can affect transport patterns, building density, and heating and cooling demand. Denser cities often support public transit and district heating; sprawl tends to increase car dependency and per-capita emissions.

Electricity mix and carbon intensity affect how much emissions drop when transport and heating electrify. Improving the grid is often a prerequisite for deep decarbonization of other sectors.

Territorial emissions count CO₂ produced within national borders. Consumption-based emissions attribute CO₂ to where goods are consumed. Both perspectives matter for understanding the full carbon footprint.

Territorial emissions count CO₂ produced within a country's borders. Consumption-based emissions attribute CO₂ to the country where goods and services are consumed, including imports. Chile's per-capita figure above is territorial (~4.0 tCO2e/person/year). Consumption-based data for Chile is around ~4.5 tCO2e/person/year, indicating imported carbon footprint. Both perspectives matter for understanding the full impact.

Targeted actions depend on the country's starting point. For Chile, with typical per-capita emissions, potential levers include:

• Switching to renewable electricity and heat pumps for heating
• Improving industrial process efficiency
• Improving building insulation and energy efficiency
• Shifting diets toward less carbon-intensive foods
• Reducing car use and choosing electric vehicles
• Retrofitting older buildings with heat pumps
• Cutting down on air travel and long-haul freight
• Increasing renewable share in electricity generation
• Reducing food waste along the supply chain

• World Bank: SP.POP.TOTL (2024)
• World Bank: NY.GDP.PCAP.CD (2024)
• World Bank: SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS (2024)
• CO₂ per capita, emissions: OWID (2024)
• Electricity intensity & renewables: OWID (2024)