Fires raise climate change readiness fears in Chile

Significance

A wave of forest fires has devastated a large area of central-southern Chile, raising questions about the country's preparedness for climate change but also further undermining the government’s flagging approval rating ahead of the November elections.

Impacts

• Relief and recovery will put additional pressure on a fiscal budget already constrained by sluggish GDP growth.
• Following the fires, 93% of Chileans now consider that their country is not adequately prepared for emergencies.
• The government’s chances of a last-minute recovery in popularity before November elections have been much reduced.