Former Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grímsson said that COP28 succeeded in introducing a new model for international cooperation to combat climate change.

Grimson described the new model as “innovative” as it brings together all parties of society, including governments, companies and civil societies, to participate in the event. Which led to everyone feeling responsible and participating in the success.

Grimsson expressed his full belief in the ability of the international community to implement the decisions resulting from the conference, based on his personal experience in Iceland, which transitioned from relying on fossil fuels. For power generation to fully rely on clean energy sources during its lifespan.

Grimsson noted that he was able to convince the Chinese authorities during a visit 15 years ago of the possibility of using clean geothermal energy to heat cities. Which led to the creation of the largest geothermal project in the world.

He emphasized that the ambitious COP28 goals on sustainable energy are realistic and implementable, and their successes will be celebrated ten years from now.

Grímsson stressed that the shift to clean energy had created new economic opportunities in Iceland, and that it was not just because of climate issues, but “because it was also good for the country’s economy.”

He stated that Iceland began its transformation through geothermal energy projects to heat homes; Which led to the discovery of the possibility of dispensing with oil and adopting fixed energy prices for the next ten, fifteen, or twenty years.

He explained that Iceland then expanded the introduction of clean energy into various sectors, such as health resorts, greenhouses, and the tourism sector, as well as the manufacture of electric cars and buses.

Grímsson described the feeling of the general public in Iceland with the transition towards clean energy as an “inner sense” that prompts them to know what benefits them and what is the smart solution.