Desertification in Iceland
Desertification is a major climate issue in Iceland, specifically in the northeastern part of the country. It is believed that this problem of land degradation began when humans first settled there in the ninth century. Natural resources were used beyond their capacity to regenerate for hundreds of years in Iceland. The destruction of forests and other vegetation, soil erosion, and overgrazing by livestock have all contributed to desertification. Intense farming has also stripped the soil of nutrients. These actions have led to the poor state of the country's land, disrupting ecosystems and the climate.
The effects of desertification are well-known by the people of Iceland. It makes farming and garden building much more difficult. This is a major problem with the threat of a possible global food crisis ahead. Land degradation has also been linked to global warming and climate change. Exploited soil releases more greenhouse gases than soil that is rich in nutrients. This, in turn, leads to further desertification by causing more floods, droughts, and other negative climate events.
Unlike many of the other countries around the world that are experiencing dramatic desertification, Iceland has been taking serious measures to try to combat the problem for decades. The Act on Forestry and Mitigation of Soil Erosion is a law that was passed in 1907. Its purpose was to protect and rebuild woodlands and stop the erosion of Iceland's soil. Government agencies were developed that same year to begin working on rehabilitation, research, and education. Some of the things that are known to improve the state of soil are limiting grazing by livestock, restoring vegetation, responsible farming practices, and creating protective “greenhouses.”
A number of organizations are still working to protect the climate and geology of the country. The Farmers Association of Iceland consists of individual farmers who are aware of the deforestation issue. A large number of them have voluntarily given up their prior livelihoods or are farming less land and keeping fewer livestock. The Icelandic Forestry Association is a government agency that is conducting research on the environment and whether rehabilitation efforts are making a difference. They are in charge of distributing grants for afforestation through the Regional Afforestation Projects. The state of the soil itself is the focus of the Soil Conservation Service. Their initiatives include educating people, reclaiming and restoring land, promoting sustainable use of land, and encouraging community involvement. Another important organization is the Agricultural University of Iceland, which is involved with research, training, and financial resources.
Desertification is a complex environmental issue. These projects are undoubtedly helping, but it's impossible to determine exactly how successful they will be over the long term. The land had already been degrading for many centuries when restoration efforts were begun. Slowing the destructive process and possibly turning it around will take a long time as well. It appears that the government, organization, and citizens of Iceland are cooperating to make dramatic changes in land use. This situation can serve as a good example for other areas of the globe that would benefit from similar measures.
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