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.

Nearly 300,000 tonnes by 2030

The City of Reykjavík aims for carbon neutrality by 2040. The biggest challenge in achieving carbon neutrality is the need to quickly reduce emissions. The 2021-2025 Action Plan outlines the wide range of projects needed to create a carbon-neutral society.

This plan includes many important and minor actions, developed after extensive consultations. These actions were summarized into 15 main actions aimed to reduce carbon emissions by about 300,000 tonnes by 2030.

Six priorities

The Action Plan has six priorities that the City considers essential for reaching the carbon neutrality goals. These are:

  • Walkable city
  • Energy transition
  • Health enhancing commutes
  • Circular economy principles
  • Green buildings
  • Carbon sequestration

In addition to these six priorities, there are other related important and supportive factors. They are:

  • Adaptation to climate change
  • Awareness and innovation
  • Reykjavík City operations

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.

The City of Reykjavík is working with other Nordic capital cities on a joint declaration about climate change.

Loftslagsmál og einstaklingar

Einstaklingar geta lagt sitt af mörkum með því að endurskoða samgönguvenjur og draga úr notkun jarðefnaeldsneytis.

Einnig að draga úr myndun úrgangs eftir því sem kostur er og endurvinna það sem fellur til.

Meira um grænan lífstíl Meira um Saman gegn sóun
Teikning af manneskju sem stendur í stiga og tengir saman tvo af fjölmörgum punktum.

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.

Climate Change Knowledge Hub

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.