The Reykjavik Green Deal: on the carbon neutral city and public health

Abstract

The City of Reykjavik, Iceland, can proudly say that its carbon footprint is among the lowest in a high-income country. This is not because of recent action, but because geothermal central heating is used in every house and because all electricity production is 100% renewable, based on geothermal energy as well as hydropower. This does not mean that Reykjavik does not have a huge task on its hands when it comes to fighting climate change. Reykjavik has set a goal of being carbon neutral by 2040. The next decade will be a decade of action—and an important trial for every country and every city worldwide in the fight against climate change and ecological degradation. If the goals of the Paris Agreement are to be achieved, emissions in Reykjavik must be halved by 2030 and then halved again in the following decade. Carbon capture also must be realised. Transport is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions in Reykjavik, and to change modes of transport remains the greatest challenge. For the past few decades, Icelanders have become highly dependent on cars for transport, and most of the country's vehicle fleet relies on fossil fuels as the main source of energy. That needs to be changed, not only by installing infrastructure for electric cars, but by drastically changing the modal split and people's behaviour. When focusing on what needs to be done for the climate in the urban context, it very often involves action that is also good for health and quality of life. We need to get people out of their cars—to walk more, cycle more, and use public transit. This can be done by providing better public transit and a more walkable, bikeable, and interesting city. A well planned city gets people moving and increases physical activity while reducing emission of carbon dioxide. Research shows that if cities are planned with schools, green spaces, and other services within easy walking and cycling distance of each other, the health of the population improves. That is why the concept of the 15 min neighbourhood was introduced in Reykjavik in 2014.1Frank LD Engelke PO Schmid TL Health and community design: the impact of the built environment on physical activity. Island Press, Washington, DC2003Google Scholar In December 2020, the City of Reykjavik issued the Reykjavik Green Deal as its roadmap to economic recovery after COVID-19. The Green Deal focuses on all three dimensions of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. Investment in green infrastructure and social development where no one is left behind is central to the plans. We have also issued an update on our Climate Action Plan, initially launched in 2015. The Climate Action Plan can be divided into six main objectives that focus on projects that further both the climate and public health: facilitating complete energy exchange; increasing health-promoting modes of transport; eco-friendly city planning; introducing a circular economy; using low-carbon building materials and design; and effective carbon capture. Reykjavik City Council is convinced that with a focus on climate we are also focusing on the health of our citizens and their quality of life, as well as on green economic growth and welfare. The world needs action. Reykjavik wants to join other cities in working with all parts of society, businesses, and grass-root organisations and put pressure on governments as well as the private and public sectors for clear commitments for a decade of actions when it comes to climate change. I can assure you that our common success to that end will also count as an important milestone when it comes to public health and the overall health of the citizens around the world. I am the current Mayor of Reykjavik. I declare no competing interests.