A living natural world is our country’s strongest defense

A country’s security begins in its forests, fertile soil, wetlands and living seas, writes Emil Siekkinen in an opinion letter published by Dagens Nyheter. A society that steadily weakens these systems becomes more vulnerable, regardless of the strength of its military defenses.

Public discussions of Swedish security usually focus on the armed forces, NATO, civil preparedness, energy supplies and food security during crises. Siekkinen says nature belongs in that conversation too. A robust society, he argues, must be able to provide water during drought, produce food when international supply chains break down, and withstand cloudbursts, heatwaves and forest fires.

Functioning ecosystems support those capabilities. Restored wetlands can reduce the risks of both flooding and drought. Protected forests improve the landscape’s ability to retain water and resist extreme weather. Protecting pollinators supports food production, while preserving biodiversity strengthens nature’s resistance to disease, pests and a changing climate.

Siekkinen presents this as security policy because ecosystems provide food, water and functioning landscapes every day. They continue working for society around the clock, he concludes, without sending a bill.