Iceland review - 2016, Qupperneq 46

44 ICELAND REVIEW
signs of the impact of climate changes are also being seen in
the ocean surrounding Iceland. “Acidification of the ocean is
measuring higher than average around Iceland. This is wor-
risome,” Hugi remarks. Ocean acidification is the ongoing
decrease in the pH of the Earth’s oceans, caused by the uptake
of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. It can have
devastating reproductive or physiological effects on marine
life, including the slowing and/or reversing of calcification of
marine organisms such as coral, clams, mussels and sea urchins,
as well as negative impacts on food resources. With fisheries
being such an integral part of Iceland’s economy, any major
changes in the pH could also have significant consequences
on livelihoods.
SEARCHING FOR SOLUTIONS
Despite the highly worrying effects of climate change in
Iceland, Hugi is a strong believer in not dwelling on the neg-
ative. Instead he prefers to look for solutions. “Yes, it will not
be easy, but it is helpful to have a positive can-do attitude. It
is important to look for opportunities in terms of solutions.”
I ask Hugi whether, given the dire consequences other coun-
tries are already facing, it is really right to speak about climate
change in terms of ‘opportunities.’ Prime Minister of Iceland
Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson was harshly criticized when,
in an interview with national broadcaster RÚV in April 2014,
he spoke of climate change “opportunities,” including oil and
gas exploration, and shipping as a result of the melting of
the Arctic; as well as food production, due to land and water
shortages and the rising costs of energy and food in other
countries (international media have also reported on the ‘ben-
efits’ of climate change in Iceland). “It’s not helpful to speak
only in terms of doom and gloom,” Hugi responds. “We must
not forget that there are positive solutions which can even be
beneficial in monetary terms—there are business opportuni-
ties—and domestically many of the measures we can take have
other benefits, too.”
He lists two examples: afforestation and the use of electric
cars. It is estimated that about 25 percent of Iceland was
wooded at the time of settlement. Today forest comprises a
little over one percent. Afforestation helps take up carbon
from the atmosphere and prevents soil erosion, Hugi points
out. Meanwhile, replacing fossil fuel-driven cars with electric
vehicles results in less pollution, which impacts health, but
also means domestic low carbon energy resources can be used
instead of imported fossil fuels. Transport is the sector which
accounts for the second highest emissions after industry—
namely the aluminum industry.
SHIPS AND STEAM
Solutions will require innovation and new technologies; fields
in which Iceland has been performing well. The Icelandic
government’s three-year post-Paris climate change action plan
includes creating a road map in cooperation with industry
to define ways of introducing climate-friendly technology,
Hugi says. Based on 16 projects, the plan is aimed at reducing
emissions, increasing carbon sequestration from the atmos-
phere, supporting international climate change projects and
enhancing Iceland’s capability to meet stricter climate change
commitments. Iceland has set a national target by pledging
to participate in the joint goal of European states to reduce
emissions by 40 percent on 1990 levels by 2030.
Globally, there will be increased demand for renewable
energy, another field in which Iceland has made a name for
itself, Hugi highlights. “We have expertise in the field of
geothermal energy. We have an international program with
the United Nations University [the Geothermal Training
Programme], we are building up knowledge in developing
countries, but Icelandic geothermal companies are also oper-
ating worldwide.” According to Hugi, while not as well-known
as solar or wind energy, geothermal energy has been gaining
increasing acceptance and interest. The Global Geothermal
Alliance, consisting of public, private, intergovernmental and
non-governmental actors, was launched at the Paris meeting.
The alliance, of which Iceland is a member, aims to contribute
to the efforts to achieve the Sustainable Energy for All target
of doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy
mix by 2030.
Several Icelandic companies are also looking towards the
fishing industry—some at alternative power sources, others
using information technology to look at better fishing methods
ENVIRONMENT