“We have one simple demand,” read the press release. “[T]hat effective action be taken immediately to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Environment
Iceland Lagging in Plastic Recycling
Icelanders could be recycling their plastic using green energy instead of burning it or sending it abroad.
Plan Underway to Halt the Spread of Lupines in Húsavík
The Nootka lupine was introduced to Iceland to combat soil erosion and assist in revegetation efforts, but these purple blossoms often interfere with the growth and proliferation of native species.
Árneshreppur Municipal Election Results Challenged
The results from the municipal elections in Árneshreppur have been charged, as environmental activists changed their legal residence to affect the voting.
Environmental Activists Fraudulently Change Constituencies
Registers Iceland has requested police help verify legal residence changes, which have increased greatly on the eve of municipal elections.
Reykjadalur Valley Reopened
The Environment Agency of Iceland has reopened Reykjadalur valley to visitors.
More Waste Produced in Iceland than Ever Before
Over a million tons of waste was produced in Iceland in 2016—the largest amount of waste that's ever been produced in the country.
Environment Agency Closes Reykjadalur
The Environment Agency of Iceland has decided to temporarily close Reykjadalur valley to visitors due to environmental strain.
Drilling by Crater Row Called “Ruthless Exploitation”
Icelandic energy company HS Orka has begun clearing drilling lots by the Eldvörp crater row on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
You Can Now Drive Iceland’s Ring Road by Electric Car
Iceland’s Ring Road is now equipped with a network of electric car charging stations, making it possible to drive around the entire country by electric car for the first time ever.
President of Iceland Takes Up ‘Plogging’
The President of Iceland was spotted ‘plogging’ last weekend, a new exercise trend combining jogging with picking up litter.
Mývatn Area Sewage Treatment Plan Approved
The Public Health Authority of Northeast Iceland has approved a joint plan between Skútustaðahreppur municipality and 13 local companies to reform sewage treatment in the region.
Reykjavík to Lend Residents E-Bikes
The City of Reykjavík will lend 100 individuals electric bicycles this summer in order to encourage environmentally friendly commuting.
Cruise Ship Pollution to be Measured
The Environment Agency of Iceland will begin measuring air pollution from cruise ships docking in Seyðisfjörður, East Iceland.
Reykjavík Restaurants Cut Out Plastic Straws
Three Reykjavík restaurants will stop offering customers plastic straws in order to reduce waste.
Icelanders Embrace Veganuary
Iceland is number six on the list of countries with the highest proportion of Veganuary participants.
Environmental Issues Among Iceland's Top Five Challenges
Icelanders have become increasingly aware of and concerned about environmental issues since the turn of the century.
Sale of Electric Cars Nearly Doubled in 2017
Sales of electric cars in Iceland nearly doubled in the past year.
Oversight Lacking in Fish Farming
Oversight of fish farming companies is lacking according to ecologist Cristian Gallo of the Westfjords Natural History Institute.
Larger Fish Farms Licensed in West Fjords
The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) has authorized a large-scale increase in fish farming in the West Fjords.
Sewage Treatment Lacking in Iceland
Raising Iceland’s sewage treatment up to international standards would require an investment of ISK 50-80 billion (USD 475-760 million/EUR 405-648 million).
Propose National Park Covering 40 Percent of Iceland
A committee researching guidelines for establishing a national park in the central highlands of Iceland has submitted its final report to the Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources.
Increased Conductivity Could Mean Glacial Outburst Flood
Geologists say it is possible a glacial outburst flood is beginning in Jökulsá á fjöllum river.
Tourists Happier in Winter than Summer
Foreign tourists who visit Iceland in the winter report being happier with their experience at popular tourist spots in Iceland than those who visit during the summer.
In Focus: Iceland Leaves Enormous Environmental Footprint
Iceland is renowned as a ‘green’ country in many ways, yet it certainly does have its dark sides in terms of environmental impact. Food waste, recycling, and waste management issues are pressing environmental concerns for the country as it leaves a large environmental footprint