If Iceland is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, it must double its forest area. Forests currently cover 2% of the small island nation's territory. A representative of the Icelandic Forest Service believes that afforestation could cause significant heartache for more than a few Icelanders accustomed to the country's current landscape.

By comparison, glaciers cover about 10% of the country's area. In the 9th century, when humans began to settle Iceland, forests covered 25-40% of the island. Over time, they were felled to clear space for grazing.