According to the pie chart, what percentage of geothermal energy is used to generate electricity? What economic benefit will this have for Iceland?
The many volcanoes in Iceland can be a source of heat and electricity. Geothermal energy (heat from the ground) is used to heat 90% of homes in Iceland. This source of energy is very efficient and saves households a lot of money.
Negative Impacts of the Volcanic Eruption Social Impact
Contaminated water supply
Ash from the eruption polluted the local water. Farmers near the volcano could not let their animals drink from the streams.
Evacuation of locals
Five hundred farmers and their families had to leave their homes. Locals and rescuers had to wear face masks to avoid choking on the ash.
Economic Impact Travel chaos
Over eight days, 100,000 flights to and from Europe were cancelled because of poor visibility and the fear that tiny ash particles would clog up the engines of airplanes. Twenty countries closed their airspace. This cost airlines and businesses about €145 million per day.
Loss of earnings
Countries, such as Kenya, that sell fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers to Europe were affected. Fresh produce is transported by plane so they can arrive quickly. The flight ban meant that this produce could not be sold. Over 1 million flower stalks went unsold in the first two days of the eruption.
1. Why does Iceland have so many active volcanoes?
2. When did the last eruption of Eyjafjallajökull take place?
3. Describe two positive social and two negative economic impacts of this eruption.
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To learn more about the impact of the volcanic eruption on Iceland, go to YouTube and look up the video ‘Eyjafjallajökull case study’ (15:09). Look out for another positive impact of the volcano not discussed here.
