The visit centered around the ocean's role in climate change and environmental preservation. Christoph Humborg, Professor at the Department of Environnmental Science and Scientific Director at the Baltic Sea Centre, stressed the dual nature of the oceans in climate dynamics: a healthy ocean can sequester carbon from the atmosphere, while an over-fertilized ocean may release greenhouse gases.

Christina Rudén, Professor at the Department of Environmental Science, emphasized the crucial need for effective regulation and oversight in chemical management. She pointed out the potential for substantial progress at the national level in adopting the EU’s chemical strategy.

Back row from left: Axel Nordberg, Christoph Humborg, and Charles Berkow. Front row from left: Tina Elfwing, Romina Pourmokhtari, and Christina Rudén. Photo: Lisa Bergqvist/Baltic Sea Centre

The topic of sustainable fishing also emerged as a key point in the discussions. Charles Berkow, an analyst at the Baltic Sea Centre, warned against the simplistic belief that adherence to the recommended fishing quotas alone would ensure sustainability, as suggested by fisheries researchers (ICES).

Reflecting on the discussions, Tina Elfwing, Head of the Baltic Sea Centre, noted, “The conversations were rewarding and constructive and a good example of collaboration between universities and the wider society. A continued open dialogue between research and politics is needed to solve the Baltic Sea's environmental problems.”