Iceland
This is a land of constantly moving glaciers, geysers, rainbows and raging rivers, fiery volcanos, and thundering waterfalls.
A rich Viking history can be found here, an unchanged ancient language with unbelievably long words (e.g. Hæstaréttarmálaflutningsmaður), a fiercely protected breed of horse, a summer sun that never sets, and more shades of green than you can possibly imagine.
Iceland is a world leader in the development and use of renewable energy. Conveniently, Icelanders don't need to go far to find ways to produce electricity, hot water, and heating for their homes and buildings, because it's all right beneath their feet! Vast underground geothermal reserves produce enough steam and hydroelectric power to supply over 90% of the country's needs. Only about 15% of its total energy requirements come from fossil fuels; this is in stark contrast to the U.S., which supplies over 80% of its energy needs from fossil fuels.
Icelanders have made unique economic choices as well, valuing the benefits of energy independence differently than much of the world.
Icelanders have made unique economic choices as well, valuing the benefits of energy independence differently than much of the world.
To be continued . . . much more to come!