Climate change

Illustration of a house shaped like a flowerpot with a woman watering plants on the roof

Reykjavík City aims to become carbon neutral by 2030, while making sure the changes needed to address climate change are made in an environmentally friendly and people-centered way. We support the goal of the Paris Agreement to maintain global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The City of Reykjavík has been selected to be part of a European project along with more than 100 other cities to become carbon neutral by 2030. Participation involves creating a Climate City Contract with various stakeholders in Icelandic society. This contract outlines actions to achieve the ambitious goal together.

Over 400,000 tonnes by 2030

The City of Reykjavík aims for carbon neutrality by 2030. The biggest challenge in achieving carbon neutrality is the need to quickly reduce emissions. The Climate City Contract reflects the comprehensive approach and wide range of projects needed to create a transformation toward a carbon-neutral society.

The action plan includes many large and small measures that were developed through extensive consultation and are combined into 15 main actions designed to reduce carbon emissions by 400,000 tons by 2030 compared to emissions in 2019.

 

Priorities

The main priorities in the contract are:

  1. Transportation – Focus on variable travel modes and strengthening infrastructure for public transportation, pedestrians and cyclists.
  2. Energy transition – Energy transition in vehicle fleets and ships in Reykjavík
  3. Waste and circular economy – increased sorting, recycling and reuse.
  4. Construction sector – The City has ambitious goals for residential development. It is therefore crucial that this development has the smallest possible impact on the climate and environment.
  5. Just transition – Ensure just transitions in developing a carbon neutral society.

Climate statistics

Older statistics

Reykjavík City Green Accounting

Green accounting for fossil fuel use, thermal spring water, energy, greenhouse gas emissions and waste volume in Reykjavík City operations.

Adaptation to climate change

Report on risk factors and adjustments.

 

Green accounting for the Department of Environment and Planning

The City's Department of Environment and Planning (USK) is ISO 14001 certified and submits green accounting.

Climate City Contract

The City of Reykjavík has been selected to be part of a European project along with more than 100 other cities to become carbon neutral by 2030. Part of this project involves creating a Climate City Contract with various stakeholders in Icelandic society to collectively achieve this new goal.

 

Learn more about Reykjavík's Climate City Agreement
Illustration of two people shaking hands.

International commitments

The City of Reykjavík has been a part of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy since 2011. The Covenant of Mayors invited parties to join the Climate Change Adaptation Partnership in 2014, and the City of Reykjavík decided to participate.

Additionally, the City of Reykjavík is involved in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), where information on its carbon usage is made publicly available.

Climate and individuals

Individuals can also play a role by reviewing their transportation choices and reducing the use of fossil fuels.

We can also reduce waste, and recycle, as much as possible.

More about the green lifestyle More about Together Against Waste
Illustration of a person standing on a ladder connecting two of many points.

Prioritizing green economic growth

In recent years, Reykjavík City has systematically worked for improvement in environmental issues in the city, introduced sustainable operations, and emphasized green investments that have enhanced the environment and quality of life for city residents.

Notably, the Reykjavík Biking Plan and the 2010-2030 Reykjavík Municipal Plan both focus on preserving green spaces, making cities more compact, improving public transportation, finding eco-friendly ways to dispose of waste, and ensuring new construction is environmentally friendly.

Green investments are expected to make up about 24% of the City's total investments over the next 5 years. These investments include making open spaces, improving pedestrian paths, creating priority bus routes, renovating waste containers, and more.

Knowledge hub for just transition

Climate change is one of the biggest issues of our time, but the effects of climate change can affect people differently depending on their social status.

 

Here is a mapping of the gender and equality perspectives to take into account when working towards becoming a carbon neutral society.

More about the tool kit
Illustration of two women comparing notes.