Iceland Climate Change Strategy

Country / jurisdiction: Iceland · Year: 2007 · Status: In force · Level: National · Type: Voluntary

In February 2007, the Icelandic government released "Icelands Climate Change Strategy", which superseded the countrys 2002 Climate Change Strategy (itself the second Icelandic climate change strategy). This strategy is conceived as a framework for action and government involvement in climate change issues, and sets forth a long-term aspirational goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 50-75% of 1990 levels by the year 2050.

The strategy emphasises the reduction of emissions by the most economical means, including the introduction of new technology, economic measures, carbon sequestration, and the ficing of measures adopted in other countries. Among the principal objectives of the strategy are the following: -

to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a special emphasis on reducing the use of fossil fuels in favour of renewable energy sources and climate-friendly fuels;

and - fostering research and innovation in fields related to climate change affairs and promoting the exportation of Icelandic expertise in fields related to renewable energy and climate-friendly technology.

In meeting these objectives, the government will, among other actions:

prioritise research on the feasibility of pumping carbon dioxide from geothermal power plants back into the earth;

place increased emphasis on the exportation of technology and know-how in fields related to the utilisation of renewable energy resources;

examine whether Iceland or Icelandic companies could engage in projects under the Clean Development Mechanism concerning geothermal energy or other climate-friendly technologies.

Official source: http://eng.umhverfisraduneyti.is/