Military strengthening in Denmark poses a threat to environmental preservation and archaeological sites' safety.
In a move that has sparked debate, the Danish government has proposed a new law that allows it to override existing laws protecting the environment and archaeological sites. The bill, which has the support of several political parties, aims to expedite the country's military buildup and civil emergency preparedness.
The construction of a major new ammunition factory in Elling, North Jutland, is one of the projects the government wants completed quickly. However, this has raised concerns from nature consultants and museum officials. Anders Juel, a nature consultant from the Danish Society for Nature Conservation, has expressed concern about the potential high price for nature and the environment due to the bypassing of several regulations.
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen justifies the need for this legislation, stating that the government requires "the necessary ability to act when it comes to national security." The bill proposes to give authorities the power to quickly complete construction projects serving national defense or civil security interests.
However, the proposed law could potentially put archaeological finds, rare animals, and vulnerable habitats at risk. Jensen, the chairperson of the Association of Danish Museums, has expressed concern about the law potentially overruling central parts of museum laws. Claus Kjeld Jensen, in particular, mentions the potential presence of archaeological sites like settlements, houses, gravesites, Iron Age sites, Viking era burial sites, or Stone Age discoveries at the Elling site.
The law change could also allow the government to bypass laws on planning, building, energy, forestry, nature, conservation, heritage, water, contamination, and pollution. Juel has noted the risk of polluting residues from ammunition production permanently getting into the environment and potentially affecting human health.
Bats, dormice, lizards, grass snakes, newts, frogs, butterflies, and toads could lose protected status around the Elling site due to the military buildup. This raises concerns about the impact on biodiversity and the long-term effects on the environment.
Despite Denmark's strong commitment to environmental protection and climate goals, as shown by the legally binding Climate Act aiming for a 70% CO2 reduction and net-zero emissions by 2050, the proposed law has sparked controversy. It remains to be seen how this legislation will be implemented and what the long-term effects will be on Denmark's environment and archaeological heritage.
The bill includes a sunset clause, meaning it will expire at the end of 2028. However, this does not alleviate the concerns raised by nature consultants and museum officials, who argue for a more balanced approach that considers both national security and environmental and archaeological preservation.
[1] Climate Act [3] Danish EU Presidency Priorities [4] Denmark's Involvement in Preserving Heritage Sites [5] Denmark's Security Stance after 2022
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