Iceland rehearses response to possible Atlantic circulation collapse
Friday 16th October 2026 on 21:15 in
Iceland
Iceland’s government held an exercise on Thursday to prepare for a possible weakening or collapse of the Atlantic overturning circulation, and the risks it could pose to society, the economy and national security. The details were reported by mbl.is.
Participants from across government examined possible challenges and discussed how Iceland might prepare. The exercise aimed to improve officials’ understanding of climate risks, tipping points and their potential effects on Iceland, as well as to practise responses to complex climate-related threats to societal security.
“One of the key roles of government is to identify threats and prepare society for them. That is how we approach volcanic eruptions and pandemics, and the same should apply to climate risks,” Environment, Energy and Climate Minister Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson said.
By examining scenarios, mapping vulnerabilities and practising responses, officials can better assess the country’s preparedness and identify what most urgently needs strengthening, he said. Faster global emissions cuts remain the surest way to reduce the risk, he added.
Disruption to the Atlantic overturning circulation due to climate change could have serious effects on weather worldwide, although its future course remains uncertain, Icelandic Met Office director Hildigunnur Thorsteinsson told mbl.is last week.
The issue has been on the Icelandic government’s agenda since dozens of scientists sent an open letter to the Nordic Council of Ministers at the Arctic Circle conference in October 2024. In autumn 2025, the government referred it to the National Security Council, the first time a specific climate risk had been formally brought before the council.
A government-wide response has been developed since then. Jóhannsson appointed an expert steering group to review scientific knowledge about the Atlantic overturning circulation and other climate tipping points, and to assess possible responses for Iceland. The exercise is part of that work.