The state of the Baltic Sea is affected both on land and at sea
Human activities threaten the Baltic Sea environment. At the beginning of the 21st century, however, the state of the Baltic Sea has remained stable. The awareness of the environment and its well-being is growing, which promises good things for the Baltic Sea. Read how the state of the Baltic Sea can be further improved!
The overload of nutrients, and the amount of harmful substances originating from land areas, began to increase with the developments in industrialisation and intensive farming after the Second World War. The increased demand for energy to support the expanding society has led to an increase in sea traffic, which brings with it the problem of non-indigenous species and the risk of oil spills.
Litter in marine environments is a product of modern society as well, and the plastics industry and modern culture of disposability play a large role in making the problem worse.
The common denominator of all these factors is that we only recognised the problems they cause long after their advent. This is why undoing the harm caused is also happening with a delay. The key to a better future is increasing environmental awareness, which is a growing trend today. It bodes well for the Baltic Sea.