The dead fjords, the greasy muck and the fish floating lifeless up to the surface have become a sad symbol of an unbalanced marine environment. The reason is well known: Every winter, large amounts of nitrogen from the fields are washed into fjords and coastal waters. Nitrogen that feeds the algae and suffocates life below the surface.

There are big plans for the green transition, including with the Green Tripartite, which aims to convert 15 percent of Denmark's agricultural area to nature. 43 billion kroner has been allocated to make it attractive for farmers to take the most polluting land out of use. But without ambitious nitrogen regulation, the green transition is like a bottomless boat - no matter how hard we row, we will still take in water. Neither the 'reverse Dalgas' nor a balanced marine environment can become a reality if we do not work hard. Therefore, we call on the government, SF, Radikale Venstre, Conservatives and Liberal Alliance to introduce ambitious nitrogen regulation that creates an incentive to convert the agricultural land that pollutes the aquatic environment the most.

The foundation of the green transition

Nitrogen emissions are not just a problem for the aquatic environment – ​​they undermine Denmark's entire green transition. Without control of nitrogen emissions, it will be difficult to achieve our climate goals, create better nature and comply with the EU's Water Framework Directive. Lax regulation will make the Green Tripartite an empty shell, an expensive compromise with limited impact, and our fjords and inland waters will continue their decline. Nitrogen regulation is therefore the bedrock of Denmark's green transition. Without it, the project will sink. With it, we can ensure that investments are actually translated into progress for life in the inland fjords and waters, more nature, more ecology and a real climate effect.

The most contaminated soils must be removed

To be effective, nitrogen regulation must be targeted. It must make it less lucrative to cultivate the lands that pollute the aquatic environment the most, while the more robust lands are not unnecessarily hit hard. There is a big difference in the amount of nitrogen emissions from different farms – one farm can easily emit ten times as much nitrogen as another. Therefore, it is crucial that we take the right lands out of cultivation. Such regulation makes it both economically and environmentally sensible to convert vulnerable lands to nature, wetlands and forests, and to convert more of the lands that are still under cultivation to organic farming. This will reduce pollution, store carbon and benefit biodiversity. And it will keep sky-high land prices in check.

Lax regulation wastes money

The Danes have already allocated 43 billion kroner to the Green Tripartite. It is a historic investment in our shared nature. But if we do not get strong and targeted nitrogen regulation, we risk that the money will not deliver the promised benefits. If the most polluting soils remain in rotation, nitrogen emissions will continue. We may therefore end up spending billions and the fjords will remain dead, instead of targeting the effort and thus tackling the core of the problem. This is both environmentally and economically irresponsible. The Green Tripartite was a compromise but also an opportunity. An opportunity to create a Denmark where we get life back in the sea, and where nature, climate and agriculture can exist side by side. But that opportunity will drown if we do not get nitrogen regulation that can keep the ship afloat.

The green transition doesn't just require more money – it requires solid requirements and regulation. Without effective nitrogen regulation, we can't land dry-shod. With it, we can finally set course for a marine environment in balance – and a Denmark that holds water.

The debate contribution was presented in the Althingi on 20/10/2025.

Senders: 

Jacob Mark, department head, Danish Nature Conservation Society
Christian Fromberg, campaign manager for agriculture, forests and nature, Greenpeace
Tobias Krog Udsholt, senior economist, Think Tank Hav
Trine Langhede, advisor for food and bioresources, Green Transition Denmark
Torben Hansen, nature and environmental consultant, Danish Sport Fishing Association
Thomas Kirk Sørensen, lead specialist, WWF

Photo: Troels-Lange/University of Southern Denmark