Written by Lina Hindrum
When summer is in full swing, there's nothing we love more than taking a dip.
Why go to the south when summer is at its best here in Norway? But bathing in clean water is not a matter of course. Pollution and littering are a challenge at beaches and bathing areas all over the world. In some places, bathing has been banned because it is no longer safe.
Every year, the UN organizes World Environment Day to promote the environmental challenges we face, especially those related to sustainability and biodiversity. In 2022, it's about setting focus on restoration and rebuilding, planting trees, building green cities, cleaning rivers and oceans and changing food consumption. #GenerationRestoration.
At KOK, we want to make the sea, rivers and lakes available for swimming all year round. In this way, we will show those who live by the water how magical and life-giving clean water is, and inspire them to help protect marine life both locally and globally. By setting up KOKs in several cities, we will highlight the importance of local authorities taking responsibility for limiting emissions and litter around cities and by the sea.
We are rings in water
For biodiversity in general, we are dependent on having an intact climate that provides us with the basis for life we need both now and in the future. The climate affects the temperature of the water, which has had major consequences for the Oslofjord and the life there, says Steinar Winther Christensen, leader of the Grandparents' Climate Action. He tells us that when he was young, it was quite common for the Oslofjord to freeze over in the winter and turn into a large ice rink, which is a rare commodity nowadays.
There used to be whales, sprat, cod and saithe in the Oslofjord. Today, you can fish for mackerel in the summer, but the Oslofjord as a nursery area for fish is unfortunately a thing of the past, and that's something we need to realize.
Even Nord Rydningen, head of Klimabrølet, was also able to tell us about the situation in the Oslofjord.
- I find it strange that we as Oslo citizens have not reacted more to the fact that the cod is actually completely extinct in the Oslofjord, because the living conditions are completely destroyed in connection with the increased temperature and destroyed resources. The cod belongs to my childhood, but not to little Harriet and Harald, aged 3. They will never be able to fish a cod in the Oslofjord together. This is not abstract, it is actually something that has already happened. That's why we have to acknowledge it and move forward. We're not drops in the ocean, we're rings in the water, and it matters a lot what you do, what you talk about and, not least, what you vote for," he says.
Climate budget
However, there are a number of positive things happening in Oslo and the municipality has many plans on how we can become a zero-emission city by 2030, and this is being noticed internationally. People from New York, Milan and all over the world are coming to learn about Oslo's climate budget, because it's completely innovative to put a value on emissions. And it's exactly these kinds of measures and targets that can halt the rise in water temperature and improve the livelihoods of the various species.
- We need to do the same with nature, we need to start putting a value on our nature," says Even Nord Rydningen.
Blue Flag environmental certification
In 2022, KOK Oslo was awarded the prestigious Blue Flag environmental certification. Only Huk, the Royal Norwegian Sailing Association and KOK Oslo have received the award. You can find a map of where else in the country they can hoist the Blue Flag in the link below.
Having a Blue Flag means that guests can feel safe in terms of both water quality and safety. Guests receive visible proof that the surroundings and the operation of the boat are taken care of in the best possible way. The purpose of the Blue Flag is to help promote sustainable development at beaches, marinas and among providers of sustainable boat trips. This is achieved through strict requirements for environmental management, water quality, safety and service, as well as environmental training and information.
- "No one can do everything, but everyone can do a little," concludes Steinar Winter Christensen, and we think that's a nice thought to take with you into the summer days in our beautiful country and into the next, and the next, and the next World Environment Day.
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