Chileans Protest President Kast's Rollback of Environmental Protections

On March 22, 2023, thousands of Chileans participated in protests across Santiago and 15 other cities to mark World Water Day. The demonstrations were organized by various environmental groups in response to President José Antonio Kast's recent decision to withdraw 43 environmental decrees that had been established under former President Gabriel Boric's administration. The protests were framed under the slogan “Don’t ‘Kast-igate’ Nature,” highlighting concerns over the implications of Kast's policies on environmental protection.

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The environmental decrees that President Kast rescinded included protections for endangered species such as Darwin’s frog and the Humboldt penguin, the establishment of national parks, and plans for decontamination efforts, including those for Lake Villarrica. These regulations also governed emissions from thermoelectric plants, aiming to mitigate environmental degradation. Kast's administration halted these measures just one day after he assumed office, marking a significant shift in Chile's environmental policy.

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Cristóbal Rodríguez, the national spokesperson for the Movement for the Defense and Access to Water, Land and the Environment, criticized Kast's actions, stating that they represent a "setback" for environmental protections in Chile. He emphasized that approximately 1.4 million Chileans still lack access to drinking water, arguing that the new administration is prioritizing the interests of large corporations over environmental sustainability. Rodríguez described the rollback of the decrees as an "environmental chainsaw approach," suggesting that it reflects Kast's alignment with the legacy of former dictator Augusto Pinochet, whom Kast supported in his youth.

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In response to the backlash, President Kast defended his administration's decision, asserting that his government aims to create effective public policy that balances full employment with environmental considerations. He acknowledged the existence of climate change but emphasized a preference for economic deregulation and technical criteria over what he termed “environmental ideologies.”

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While the protests drew significant public attention, the exact number of participants remains unclear, with estimates varying widely. Additionally, the long-term implications of Kast's policy changes on Chile's environmental landscape and public health are yet to be fully assessed.

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• “We want to generate the best possible public policy around full employment, always respecting the environment,” — José Antonio Kast, President of Chile

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• “43 decrees shows an environmental chainsaw approach.” — Cristóbal Rodríguez, National Spokesperson for the Movement for the Defense and Access to Water, Land and the Environment

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The protests on World Water Day reflect a growing concern among Chileans regarding the direction of environmental policy under President Kast, as activists and citizens alike call for a reconsideration of the balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

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