Danish fjords to regain vitality under new green agreement despite expert skepticism

All Danish fjords, belts, and seas are set to regain their vitality, according to a recent green agreement introduced earlier this week. The pact aims to “achieve good ecological status in all coastal waters.” However, this assertion has been challenged by several experts, including Stiig Markager, a professor specializing in marine environments at Aarhus University, who argues that the goals outlined are fundamentally flawed. He points out that the current targets would only result in half of Denmark’s fjords reaching an acceptable condition.

The agreement stipulates that agricultural nitrogen emissions should be reduced by 13,780 tons by 2027, while expected emissions without intervention would peak at 55,800 tons. Nevertheless, Markager insists this reduction is insufficient to ensure the health of all fjords. Achieving genuinely good conditions would require a much more substantial decrease in nitrogen outputs, thereby necessitating more extensive efforts.

Water quality is categorized into five different statuses, ranging from ‘high’ to ‘poor,’ based on various environmental factors. According to Markager, to secure a favorable marine environment in all waters, an additional 10,000 tons of nitrogen must be cut from the fertilizers and manure applied to fields.

Social Democratic Minister for the Green Agreement, Jeppe Bruus, defends the deal, asserting that it is based on the guidance from Danish researchers and maintains that full ecological quality in all water areas is the ultimate goal. However, the Council for Green Transformation has pointed out that the agreement is unlikely to achieve good ecological status for all coastal ecosystems. Professor Erik Kristensen echoes this sentiment, arguing that much more needs to be done, particularly in the inner fjord areas, to effectively combat ongoing environmental challenges.