Climate change in Iceland

Climate change affects various environments and industries in Iceland.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions in community amounted to 2,700,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.^[1] Heavy industry accounts for 40% of the greenhouse gas emissions of Iceland.^[2]

Impact

The invasive species Lupinus nootkatensis has grown considerably in Iceland.^[3]

Response

In 2024, the government of Iceland started construction on a wind farm.^[4]

Legislation

Climate Act

Lög um loftslagsmál 2012 nr. 70 29. júní
Althing
Enacted	2012-06-29
Status: In force

In 2012, the Icelandic Parliament passed legislation that would require the publication of climate mitigation plans, climate adaptation plans, and the establishment of a board to oversee the implementation of these plans.^[5]

Under the legislation, in 2024, the Environment Agency fined the Nomadic Aviation Group for not submitting emissions allowances in 2022.^[6]