The project focuses on four cases to further its aims.
Flora and Fauna
1) Environmental heritage related to the changes of the flora and fauna of the Baltic Sea: Climate change and changes in seasonal variation are altering the flora and fauna of the Baltic Sea. We study the ways in which the introduction of invasive animals, such as the zebra mussel, the cormorant and poisonous algae, and the disappearance of other animals including Baltic Sea porpoise, have been understood. We scrutinize the public discussion on phenomena and look at explanations that have been given to the changes in the flora and fauna.
Livelihoods
2) Environmental heritage related to the livelihoods of coastal areas and archipelago: Here we focus on livelihoods such as fishing, aquaculture, tourism, small-scale farming and forestry, which have strongly been impacted by climatic changes. We study how the shifting of the seasons and other effects of climate change alter the conditions and strategies of the livelihoods and the ways in which the actors ”read” nature.
Lived and Experienced Environments
3) Environmental heritage related to the sea and coastal areas as lived and experienced environments: The study focuses on the everyday environmental history and the experience of the people living in marine and coastal environments. We explore the ways in which people observe their environment and changes in nature and adapt to different climatic conditions including e.g. floods and cold waves. We study the habits, traditions and interpretations regarding this observation. The research data consists of workshop materials, interviews, letters, diaries10 and calendars, and media materials.
Scientific Research
4) Scientific research on the effects of and adaptation to climate change in the context of the Baltic Sea environment: The history of science related to climate change and the Baltic Sea, and understanding the ways in which science has absorbed environmental heritage or contributed to its formation, is a crucial part of our research setting. We study the history of science related to climate change and the Baltic Sea from the mid 20th century to the present. Our study focuses on how scientific community in Finland has analyzed the impact of climate change on the Baltic Sea and innovated adaptive strategies related to the three cases mentioned above.