French president to Iceland to see global warming's damage on a shrinking glacier

PARIS –  The French president will take a few steps on an Icelandic glacier to experience firsthand the damage caused by global warming, ahead of major U.N. talks on climate change in Paris this year.

Francois Hollande is heading Friday to the shrinking Solheimajokull glacier, where the ice has retreated by more than 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) since annual measurements began in 1931.

The melting of Iceland's glaciers increases flood risks and may threaten its electricity supply, which is primarily generated by water power.

Iceland generates 100 percent of its electricity with renewables, including 75 percent from hydropower and 25 percent from geothermal power.

In meetings with Iceland's president and prime minister, and in a speech, Hollande is expected to express concerns regarding the exploitation of the Arctic's riches.