Climate change is affecting Iceland, like other parts of the world. The most visible effect is our rapidly retreating glaciers. In two centuries, there might be almost no ice left in Iceland.

The most concerning developments may, however, be invisible. Ocean acidification is a silent killer of many marine organisms, a cause for worry for a nation that relies on fisheries.

It is heartening to see new commitments for adaptation and growing understanding for the need to adapt. The Icelandic government has recently strengthened provisions in the climate law regarding adaptation to climate change. We have launched work on a comprehensive adaptation strategy, and will establish a centre for adaptation this year.

Adaptation, however, has limitations. We should make this very clear. The best adaptation is mitigation. The more we limit emissions, the less adjustment we need.

Some adaptation actions also serve mitigation. This holds especially true for nature-based solutions. We need to strengthen natural carbon sinks in forests and soils. This will help in soaking carbon up from the atmosphere, and increase the resilience of ecosystems.

Iceland has recently increased its efforts for nature-based solutions through afforestation, revegetation and reclamation of wetlands. We announced last month that we will take a further step in terms of planted trees and area of degraded land that is restored.

What can the international community do to speed up adaptation strategies and measures? One way is to increase synergies, to create an integrated approach under the UN system for climate, biodiversity, desertification and development.

Iceland will increase support for nature-based solutions in development cooperation. Worldwide, we need to halt the assault on natural forests and ecosystems, and recover damaged ones. This is important for soil conservation, flood regulation and conserving our rapidly declining biodiversity.

Conserving and restoring nature will increase our ability to produce food and mitigate natural disasters.