Manifesto

Snæfellsjökull

Snæfellsjökull

According to glaciologists, Snæfellsjökull is predicted to disappear by 2100. As a keystone citizen, Snæfellsjökull has wielded influence on weather, water, and land this past millennium. Snæfellsjökull has been an active contributor to landscape design, using its weight to carve valleys and fjords. Even the glacier’s retreat has (in)formed rugged terrain. The most recent known eruption of Snæfellsjökull occurred around 1,800 years ago, adding craters, lava fields, and caves to a portfolio filled with influential design. The volcano is still considered active, with the potential for future eruptions and, therefore, future contributions to the shape of our fine country.

Throughout the past millennium, Snæfellsjökull’s influence has extended into literature. Bárður Saga Snæfellsás is the best-known saga situated near the glacier, likely written in the 14th century. Much later, Jules Verne began his 1864 novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth at Snæfellsjökull. In the 20th century, Iceland’s sole Nobel laureate, Halldór Laxness, set his novel Kristnihald undir jökli (Under the Glacier) in Snæfellsjökull’s domain.

Snæfellsjökull lives in the Snæfellsjökull National Park, established in 2001. The park is maintained by Iceland’s Environmental Agency (Umhverfisstofnun). Snæfellsjökull enjoys views throughout western Iceland, including of the West Fjords, Reykjanes, and Reykjavík—including a view of the Presidential home, Bessastaðir.

Snæfellsjökull’s legacy encompasses literature, science, tourism, and folklore, making it a significant figure in Iceland’s natural and cultural heritage. The glacier-capped summit of Snæfellsjökull even reaches an elevation of about 1,446 meters (4,744 feet) above sea level, making it one of the most iconic figures in Iceland. Who could boast a better pedigree for President than the glacier?​​​​​​​

Snæfellsjökul fyrir forseta

Snæfellsjökul fyrir forseta nominated a glacier to be the president of Iceland. This historic nomination signals a bold shift towards prioritizing environmental stewardship and recognizing the urgent need for climate action. Snæfellsjökull’s candidacy serves as a rallying cry for a sustainable future, one where the rights of nature are respected.

Photo: Cody Skahan.