Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland

The Icelandic volcano continues to pump out ash and gases.

We see here the sheer unstoppable power of nature writ large – this eruption having had a significant economic and “nuisance” impact on a fair part of the global aviation industry.

When watching this display, everyone ought to be aware of a few things. The US Geological Survey has calculated that all of the volanoes in the world - active, passive or just “simmering” (including the undersea ones too) emit about one one hundred and fiftieth, or 0.7%, of the greenhouse emissions that mankind does constantly 24 hours a day – 7 days a week – 365 days a year.

 

Iceland, Eyjafjallajökull - May 1st and 2nd, 2010 from Sean Stiegemeier on Vimeo.

The music is by Jónsi - lead singer of Sigur Rós

 

Why is this volcano good for the planet?

With the Icelandic volcano still making the news, no doubt we might hear people regurgitating the old denier lie that one volcano puts out far more CO2 than the whole of humanity does. Here's a very simple, yet striking, graphic that puts the situation into perspective.

This effect of this volcano on international aviation means it’s currently being carbon negative!

Graphic courtesy of informationisbeautiful.net