Sustainability and green
The Öresund Bridge is a link between Sweden and Denmark. There had been plans for such a link for more than 100 years and this highly desirable bridge now connects the neighboring countries. For Sweden, the Öresund link also means a link to the continent.
The Öresund region has developed; a region that extends from Sweden to Denmark. The bridge has made it easier to live in one country and work in another. Many people also use their cars or the train for outings, shopping and vacation.
Originally, the Öresund Bridge was to be built to the island of Saltholm. For environmental reasons, the artificial island of Peberholm was created instead.
Environmental Minister resigned in protest
When the bridge was to be built, an intense debate ensued about the environmental consequences. One person who was completely against the bridge was the then Environmental Minister, Olof Johansson, who elected to resign in protest.
However, the Öresund Bridge seems to be good for the environment. The bridge pillars attract organisms that would otherwise have difficulty finding somewhere else to live. For example, there are up to 140,000 mussels per square meter living on the bridge pillars. Mussels that in turn are food for cod, for example.
