Iceland is a unique nation, in that it is not facing many of the problems bearing down on others. A relatively small population means overcrowding is avoided, along with the public health and food supply issues that come with it. Vast supplies of geothermal energy, and effective use of hydropower allow lesser use of fossil fuels. The Icelandic government controls the fishing grounds surrounding its borders, and sets quotas and regulations on fishing practice, thus preventing major depletion of fish resources. Soil erosion is a problem, due to overgrazing from sheep and horses, but due to the absence of major agriculture, levels of erosion would be considered minor compared to larger agriculture nations. I thought this image, of Icelandic cottages built into the hillside with "green roofs", was fitting, as it exemplifies the Icelandic attitude towards the land: live with the land, take care of the land, and protect the land, because it is our home.
Information from:
"Iceland." OECD. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, n.d. Web. 12 Oct 2011. <http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/8/63/2449047.pdf>.
Image from:
http://total-wallpapers.com/free-photography-wallpapers/green-rooftops-iceland-wallpaper-2815
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