Iceland sees slight reduction in greenhouse gas emissions despite rise in aviation sector

Emissions of greenhouse gases in Iceland saw a slight reduction last year, excluding the aviation sector within the EU emission trading system, which experienced a significant increase. According to preliminary data from the Icelandic Environmental Agency, final figures will be available next year.

The agency categorizes Iceland’s emissions into three frameworks: social emissions, the EU trading system (ETS), and land use and forestry (LULUCF).

Social emissions accounted for approximately 2.7 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), decreasing by 77,000 tons or three percent compared to 2022. Major reductions were noted in emissions from fishmeal factories, agriculture, waste disposal, and F-gas use. However, increases were observed from machinery, fishing vessels, and district heating systems. Notably, emissions from road transport decreased by 0.5 percent, and fishmeal factory emissions fell by 48 percent. F-gas usage emissions have decreased by 37 percent since 2020, largely due to taxes and import quotas.

The ETS system, which is more complex, comprises local industry and aviation. It emitted 2.4 million tons of CO2e in 2023, with a three percent reduction in local industries but an eleven percent increase in aviation emissions. Emissions in land use categories remained stable, predominantly from rewetted land previously classified as wetlands.

Experts indicate that while Iceland is headed in the right direction, much work remains to achieve climate goals aimed at a 41 percent reduction in social emissions by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. There is a need for sustained effort and successful implementation of proposed initiatives to meet these ambitious targets. Major emissions sectors include road transport, fishing, and agriculture, where shifts in behavior and consumption patterns could yield notable results.