Today, we visited Iceland’s Diamond Beach! This beach is composed of black volcanic sand and the so-called “diamonds,” which are icebergs, varying in size, that wash up along the shore and line down the beach. They are truly so beautiful, as they appear almost bright blue and glittery in the sun against the dark sand. The ice becomes naturally polished and shined by the high winds and water, leaving them to shimmer in the perfectly sunny weather we had today. The icebergs come from the glacier lagoon, and due to increased climate change, the icebergs fall off the glacier and into the lagoon, eventually washing to shore. Although this spot is a truly “Instagram worthy” location, it is sad to see how much of this popular tourist destination is due to increasing and alarming climate change and global warming. Today’s experience was nothing short of surreal. I’m incredibly grateful not only for the opportunity to take in the truly dazzling, unforgettable view but also for the awareness that brought me down to Earth about the bittersweet reality of one of my new favorite locations.
The glacier has retreated significantly over time, and its retreat has led to the overall formation and further expansion of the lagoon, which has grown increasingly since the late 1900s. The glaciers’ unsettling rate of decline indicates that the lagoon size will continue to increase over time, as well as the presence of icebergs along the beach. These unreal sites are, sadly, direct consequences of increasing global temperatures. This issue poses a significant issue for Iceland and the world, as this problem will cause rising sea levels and shifts in the ecosystem. This not only threatens human populations but also local wildlife, such as the sea puppies (seals) we saw taking a nap on the icebergs today! These changes disrupt the natural wildlife, negatively impact the communities, and imbalance the environment, putting all ecosystems at risk.
This was one of the destinations I was most excited for, and it was truly eye-opening in more ways than just the unreal view. Iceland’s Diamond Beach is a place I could get lost in for hours, each view feels more captivating than the next. This beach is so unique, and it helped me to recognize the natural beauty within nature, but also the importance and hard-hitting reality of global warming. By recognizing the harmful consequences of climate change and understanding its adverse effects, we can make sustainable choices to reduce our overall environmental impact and help protect a place I now love and appreciate so that others can experience the once in a lifetime experience that I did today.
Swanson School of Engineering 