KAREN EYÞÓRSDÓTTIR works for the city of Reykjavik in the field of climate change and European cooperation, adopting international standards in the city’s progress towards a more sustainable future. Here she is interviewed by MADELEINE OLIVE about the sustainable Reykjavik of the future and the importance of togetherness.
A Sustainable Future
Q: What is your vision for Reykjavik as a sustainable city of the future?
KE: After Covid, Reykjavik created something called the Green Plan. It’s an outreach program based on the city’s vision for a sustainable environment, outlining funding and green spaces for the next 10 years.
There’s a lot of emphasis on green transport, infrastructure, neighborhoods, and innovation in green jobs. The Green Plan aims to create a better city to live in, and incorporates the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social, and environmental – to ultimately create an environment-friendly city. And this Green Plan is very much in line with the 100 climate-neutral and smart cities program. That’s our vision.
Q: Did growing up with nature all around you educate you about the environment?
KE: In Iceland we grow up in close proximity to nature, and many of us live by the sea. If you drive out of the city for half an hour, you experience untouched nature, which is such a privilege. And as you grow older, you appreciate it more and more. I wouldn’t say that Icelanders are more respectful of nature than other people. We spend a lot of time in the city and go to the countryside once in a while, but not many people really go out on a hike in nature or go up to the highlands.
Iceland is rich in natural resources, like hydropower and wind power. We use hydropower to generate electricity, and we use geothermal energy – where hot water is pumped from the ground – to heat the houses. But there is an ever-increasing need for electricity. A recent report said that to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, we need to dam our rivers to generate hydroelectric power. Another report stated that we need to build five more dams to harness this amount of energy.
The Green Plan aims to
create a better city to live in,
and
incorporates the three pillars of sustainability –economic,
social,
and environmental – to ultimately create an
environment-friendly
city.
But that would mean flooding entire valleys and their ecosystems, flora, and wildlife, which I think is a big shame because Iceland has one of the most untouched highlands. There aren’t many places like it, at least in Europe. We really do need to protect these areas. There are all too many people willing to sacrifice them in order to create more dams to sell more cheap energy to the industry.
I guess living in close proximity to nature does makes you feel more connected to it, but I think we can protect it better. You will protect something that you love.
Young Leaders
Q: Would you like to share something on how to empower and encourage young people to become leaders?
KE: My primary advice to young people is to nurture yourself, because you have to put the oxygen mask on first before you can assist others. And after you have nurtured yourself and found your own strengths, find the field of study or area of work you want to engage in. Then, I encourage you to get involved in any way possible.
Often, we feel that our voices are not heard, or that we are not invited to have a seat at the table. But in my experience, there are a lot more opportunities than we think. For instance, you can be a mentor at your university, helping students find their feet and guiding them. You can be a volunteer with the UN. You can volunteer, like you are doing with the Heartfulness Magazine.
I was a deputy delegate to the UN on sustainable development, but then came Covid. So, I didn’t get to do nearly as much as I wanted to. Now Covid is lifting. There are multiple ways to volunteer, and if you don’t have time, you can be a leader within your environment. But it really all starts with nurturing yourself first, finding self-acceptance, self-love. Find your strengths and work on them, and then you can start assisting others. It always has to come from love. Any kind of activity or decision is so much more powerful if it comes from love rather than fear.
Don’t engage with climate change solely out of fear; do it out of love for the future generations. Young people are so powerful. Look out for grants. Very often there are grants from municipalities, innovation companies or institutions, student associations, etc. Go with your idea and believe in it.
Then, try to inspire others and be open to the world. Travel, get to know other people, be open to other cultures and other ways of seeing things, new perspectives. My main message is to embrace openness and inspiration.
Q: I am realizing more and more the power of togetherness. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts.
KE: Thank you!
Karen Eyþórsdóttir
