Natural Risks in Chile: History, Approaches and Future Challenges
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Date
2019
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
NOVA
Abstract
Chile is located in the Southern Cone of South America; it has a high diversity of landscapes which have been considered by naturalists and scientists as an irreplaceable patrimony of nature. This country has more than 4000 kilometers of latitudinal extension, with deserts, agricultural valleys, large mineral deposits, ancient forests, relict and endemic species, glaciers, dunes, indigenous cultures and an increasing economy. The relationship between human development and natural characteristics in this diverse country has been quite variable over time; a number of different processes have produced the current state of nature and culture. The environment of Chile has undergone notorious changes since the Spanish colonization, determined by the natural characteristics of the territory and governmental policies which transformed the landscape and human life styles. These changes have continued up to the present day; the first book about environmental issues in Chile, entitled “La sobrevivencia de Chile” (The survival of Chile) published by Rafael Elizalde Mac-Clure in 1970, predicted several of the environmental impacts generated recently by human activities in the country. Conservation is strongly influenced by understanding of and respect for the value of nature; this depends importantly on education and knowledge about the history, perspectives and challenges to the environment. Understanding the environment is fundamental to value nature; this cognitive process generates a link between the reader and nature which promotes the understanding of nature and thus the generation of empathy and feeling with it. It is necessary to understand the problems which have been generated by humans in order to generate perspectives about the current and future state of nature. Generation of these perspectives will help to confront new challenges, accepting our responsibilities and motivating the generation of positive feedback between humans and nature. The main aim of this book is to contribute to the understanding of the environment in Chile. I invited experts in different fields of knowledge linked to the environment to contribute, aiming to reach a holistic view of this topic. The first chapter focuses on understanding an important dimension of nature, describing the Chilean forests as one of the main natural patrimonies of the country. Then the human enforcement of conservation biodiversity and natural patrimony is presented, analyzing what was, is and will be the role of different actors (protected areas, government and the educational system) in the conservation of biodiversity. Topics such as plastic pollution in oceans, the role of the school education system, private protected areas and others are addressed. Then the book focuses on new factors linked to climate change which will affect natural characteristics in the future, addressing the potential impacts generated by climate change on the environment of Chile. As an example of these factors, livestock activities and their impact on environment are analyzed in depth, presenting alternatives for sustainable development in the near future that take into account food security, soil erosion and climate change. The book finalizes with two issues which are strongly linked to human activities, natural hazards and mining impacts. A history of natural hazards in Chile is presented, analyzing the changes in policy and the influence of socio-environmental events and dynamics on the current structure of risks in Chile determined by natural and human factors. Finally, an analysis of the impacts of mining associated with arsenic and copper is presented, describing the development of environmental standards which aim to avoid or reduce the impacts on nature and humans. The first step to loving something is understanding it and emphasizing with it. This book provides an understanding of the environment from a multidisciplinary and holistic approach, inviting you to generate a link with nature and the environment of Chile.
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Keywords
Natural risk, Territorial planning, Disaster, Resilience