From the future optimism of the past to today’s utopias, artificial islands, chemical disasters, intensive efforts to improve the marine environment, projects to raise awareness of the seas in anticipation of upcoming climate changes, rising sea levels, and warmer oceans. And what does the future scenario look like for the Öresund, as well as the Baltic Sea, in relation to the gigantic artificial peninsula Lynetteholm, which Denmark is in the process of building as protection against future storm surges?

17.00 – 17.30 Introduction: Film screening – “Washing an Island” (work in progress 2021-). By (p) Art of the Biomass; artists Malin Lobell, Janna Holmstedt, and Karin Wegsjö. The film tells the story of Gipsön, the artificial island off the coast of Landskrona, which exists because of chemical fertilizers. Michael Palmgren, Executive Director of the Marine Knowledge Center in Malmö, will show a short film of the dead seabeds around Gipsön. What happened then, what is happening now, and what is about to happen? And what is sea awareness? Michael will explain and lead the discussion.

17.40 – 18.00 Lynetteholm, presentation of facts regarding the process by Felicia Konrad, artist and climate activist. Michael Palmgren will clarify the consequences and answer questions.

18.00 – 18.30 What is happening in Denmark? Architect and TV host Ane Cortzen will participate via Zoom. Ane Cortzen is the editor of the book Taenk os Om, in which several of Denmark’s leading researchers present their proposals for solutions to what Lynetteholm is said to solve—protection against storm surges, housing, and infrastructure. ‘Before we make irreversible decisions for the future, we need to think carefully!

About Michael Palmgren

Michael Palmgren is one of the founders of the Marine Knowledge Center in Malmö and a visionary leader and passionate advocate for our oceans. Since the 1970s, he has worked on issues related to the conditions of the seas and is frequently hired as a marine expert. Michael leads marine development projects and lectures internationally on Ocean Literacy.

About Felicia Konrad

Felicia Konrad is a multidisciplinary artist and climate activist, and one of the driving forces behind the art project I Still Live in Water. Felicia initiated, among other things, the involvement of Fridays for Future Malmö in the opposition to Lynetteholm, started petitions/collaborations, and updated the press.

About Ane Cortzen

Ane Cortzen is an architect, TV host, and cultural commentator with a background in design and visual identity. After being educated at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, she has had a distinguished career in the TV and media world, including as design director at DR and host of several cultural programs. Ane has also worked as cultural director at Kähler and is currently active as a freelance TV and radio host, moderator, and speaker. She is actively engaged in societal debates and is one of the figures who has highlighted criticism of the urban development project Lynetteholm.