Evolving story in Iceland

Last year, they were supposed to be "leading the way", showing us how we could fight global warming (and strengthen our economy) by going green.

This year, intense cold is harming attendance at protests over the collapsed economy.

Dec '07: Lured by Clean Energy, Industry Heads for Iceland : NPR

One country that's ahead of the curve is Iceland. This island in the North Atlantic is the only industrial country in the world that burns practically no fossil fuels to generate electricity or to heat homes and buildings. That's because it has abundant supplies of renewable energy. In fact, Iceland has so much cheap and clean electricity, it's encouraging heavy industry to ship raw materials halfway around the world for processing on this island. Iceland says that could reduce the pollution that contributes to global warming.

Oct '08: Iceland Shivers From Financial Crisis : NPR

Morning Edition, October 8, 2008 · Iceland could become the first "national bankruptcy" of the global financial crisis. The nation's currency has lost nearly half of its value and banks are collapsing under the heavy debt.

Now: Around 4000 people protesting in Reykjavik, Iceland | IceNews - Daily News

Around 4000 people are now in front of the Icelandic parliament building, in central Reykjavik, protesting against the economical situation in Iceland.

People are asking for the resigning of Iceland’s Central Bank management, re-election of the Icelandic parliament and changes in the government.

Among speakers are writers, journalists and educational advisers.

Between 6000 and 7000 people have been showing up at the last two meetings, it is thought that really cold weather is contributing to the lesser turn-out. Few of the last meetings have led to a near-riot situation, so far this event has been peacefull.