Once blanketed by lush forests covering 40% of its land, Iceland faced an environmental crisis by the 20th century: less than 1% of its trees remained. Centuries of overgrazing, volcanic eruptions, and harsh weather left the island nearly barren. Now, a green revolution is underway. 🌍
From Barren to Blooming
Meet the heroes behind Iceland’s ecological comeback. Scientists like Samson Harðarson and Hrefna Jensdóttir are tackling volcanic slopes where sheep once devoured birch saplings. Their mission? Planting 140,000 football fields’ worth of trees, blending native birch with hardy imports to withstand ash and storms. ⚡️
Science Meets Survival
At a cabin near lava fields, geneticist Dr. Aðalsteinn Sigurgeirsson experiments with Sitka spruce and oak. These 'pioneer species' create microclimates, sheltering delicate trees and attracting new birdlife. 🐦 Meanwhile, in Þórsmörk valley, Hreinn Óskarsson celebrates a century-old success: birch forests grew from 200 to 5,000 hectares, thanks to global volunteers planting willow cuttings. 🌳
Why It Matters
Forests aren’t just pretty—they’re Iceland’s climate armor. Trees trap carbon, shield soil from erosion, and block volcanic ash. As Harðarson says: "I plant trees I may never walk under. But future generations will." 💚
