Climate Change

Rising sea level are of great concern to Icelandic officials. Storm surges are becoming an ever increasing problem and climate change worsens this natural hazard. A rise of 5.5 meters in sea level was recorded between 1997 and 2007 in Reykjavik. Due do one of Europe's largest ice caps Vatnajokull melting, it reduces the load experienced on the island and has actually caused the south coast to uplift. This provides Iceland a natural protection from rising sea levels. The more urban south west portion of the island did not experience this uplift and subsidence is heavily occurring in that area. Therefore, being more prone to storm surges when winter cyclones hit the island most often.

The capital, Reykjavik, rose up from the ocean by 3.4 m per year. Most of the Icelandic population resides on the coasts and sea level rise is of huge concern. Current assessments are being conducted to minimize damage done to property, infrastructure, and harbors. This assessment will likely reveal costly measures as the likelihood of moving and/or rebuilding infrastructure further inland is likely.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently projected that sea levels will rise between +2.6 - .4mm per year and  +2.9- .4 mm per year.

Recently updated satellite data is proving the IPCC sea level projections to be correct and actually on the higher end of their projections. Whether this will take place in decades or longer-term is not yet clear. It is being alarmingly witnessed that sea level rise is accelerating due to Greenland and Antarctica losing mass. It is something island nation's like Iceland are watching closely and actively assessing how to successful mitigate this natural hazard.

Storm Surge in Iceland

Sources:
https://www.climatechangepost.com/iceland/coastal-floods/

Natural Hazards by Keller & Devecchio

Photo taken from https://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-8276929-stock-footage-light-house-storm-surge-waves-crashing-grotta-iceland.html
In Reykjavik, Iceland