History of Wetland Use & Abuse in Iceland

Spring 2010

Following the global financial system collapse of 2008-09, the world's nations are looking for new measures of genuine economic progress that capture the full range of economic, social, and environmental benefits and costs of economic growth. The nation of Iceland was one of the countries hit the hardest by the global recession, but they are also perhaps best prepared to reorient their macroeconomic indicators and policy around a new era of sustainable development. This problem-based course will investigate the history and evolution of macroeconomic indicators, and design and calculate the first genuine progress indicator for Iceland. The course will have a particular focus on energy systems design and greenhouse gas emissions as Iceland tries to become the first net carbon neutral economy in the world. Currently over 70% of Iceland's primary energy comes from hydroelectric and geothermal, however this is posing its own challenges in the next phase of economic development.

The History of Wetlands Use in Iceland Wetlands flooding, wetland draining,and restoration of wetlands. The most common wetlands in Iceland are peat bogs. The organic layer is often many metres thick.

Wetlands Poor for graising. Dangerous places for amimals. Considered to be "bad" places.

The Effect of Ditches

Restoration of Wetlands from 1970's on