Climate change mitigation - National Responses (Iceland)

An Act on reduction of net emissions of greenhouse gases was passed by the Icelandic legislature, Althing, in March 2007. The stated purpose of the law is to create conditions for Icelandic authorities to comply with international obligations in limiting emissions of greenhouse gases. The law covers the national system for the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions and removals by sinks, the establishment of a national registry, emission permits and the duty of companies to report relevant information to the authorities.

The Government´s Climate Change Strategy was adopted early in 2007 (1). The Strategy sets forth a long-term vision for the reduction of net emissions of greenhouse gases by 50-75 % until the year 2050, using 1990 emissions figures as a baseline. The Strategy will be reviewed regularly in view of new scientific knowledge, developments in international cooperation to combat climate change, and governmental priorities at any given time

The Strategy sets forth the Icelandic government’s five principal objectives with respect to climate change, which aim toward the realisation of the above-described long-term vision:

The Icelandic government will fulfill its international obligations according to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced, with a special emphasis on reducing the use of fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy sources and climate-friendly fuels. The government will attempt to increase carbon sequestration from the atmosphere through afforestation, re-vegetation, wetland reclamation, and changed land use. The government will foster research and innovation in fields related to climate change affairs and will promote the exportation of Icelandic expertise in fields related to renewable energy and climate-friendly technology. The government will prepare for adaptation to climate change.

The Strategy contains provisions for measures that will be adopted in order to achieve these objectives (1).

A committee, led by the Ministry for the Environment, with representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture, Finance, Fisheries, Industry and Commerce, Transport and Communications, and the Prime Minister’s Office, is working on an Action Plan based on Iceland’s Climate Change Strategy and guided by the results of the Expert Committee on measures to reduce net emissions. The Federation of Icelandic Municipalities is also represented in this committee. A draft Action Plan was released in early December 2009, and key stakeholders were asked for a feedback on the draft. The Action Plan is drafted in a consultative manner with stakeholders and civil society, including environmental organisations. Eight action steps are presented in the draft action plan that could result in 19-32 % less net emissions by 2020.

Iceland is a member of the European Economic Area (together with Norway and Liechtenstein), which entails, e.g. Iceland’s full participation in the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

The Council of the European Union has noted with appreciation a request by Iceland to conclude a joint fulfillment agreement with the EU for the emission reduction commitments that the EU and Iceland may undertake in the framework of a future international climate agreement (2).

The Ministry for the Environment is responsible for the implementation of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto-protocol, and coordination of pertinent international relations.

References

(1) Iceland’s Climate Change Strategy. Report in English. http://eng.umhverfisraduneyti.is/media/PDF_skrar/Stefnumorkun_i_loftslagsmalum_enlokagerd.pdf

(2) Council Conclusions: Joint Fulfilment Agreement with Iceland with regard to a future international climate agreement. Report in English. http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/agricult/111941.pdf