Kjartan Kjartansson receives the journalist of the year award
Kjartan Kjartansson was awarded the Journalist of the Year 2025 for his coverage of climate issues.
Kjartan Kjartansson, a reporter for VÃsir, was honored with the Journalist of the Year award for 2025 during a ceremony held at the Reykjavik Art Museum. His recognition stems from his insightful coverage of climate issues, where he translated complex topics into accessible language while maintaining high professionalism. The nomination committee praised Kjartansson for his diligence in data gathering and thorough follow-up on relevant matters.
In his acceptance speech, Kjartansson highlighted the challenges faced by Icelandic journalists in specializing in specific fields. He noted that topics like climate change, which may not always be deemed 'exciting' or attention-grabbing, are crucial and deserve comprehensive reporting. His investigative work has played a significant role in addressing misconceptions by government officials regarding Iceland's emissions targets, which, in collaboration with the European Union, led to a reassessment of the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Kjartansson's award serves not only as personal recognition but also emphasizes the importance of responsible and informed journalism on pressing issues such as climate change. As he continues to work in this field, his contributions will likely impact both public perception and governmental policies regarding environmental issues in Iceland and beyond.