More forces are needed to protect us against the forces of nature

The security of citizens is one of the most important tasks of the state and municipalities, and recent years have shown us with brutal clarity that the forces of nature are not just a theoretical threat, but a real danger that affects local communities all over the country.  

Just think of the quick clay avalanche in Gjerdrum in 2020, where eleven people, including an unborn child, lost their lives. Over 1600 people were evacuated, and major material damage occurred.

His extreme weather in 2023 led to massive flooding, destruction of infrastructure, and a reminder of how vulnerable we are to increased rainfall and erosion. These are not isolated incidents: The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) estimates that more than 300,000 people live in areas at risk of various types of landslides and floods.  

Climate change is exacerbating these threats, with more frequent extreme weather, rockslides in the mountains, flooding along rivers and in cities, and the potential for new quick clay landslides that could wipe out entire neighborhoods in the blink of an eye. 

We must take nature seriously – not just in words, but in deeds. A prerequisite for good safety and emergency preparedness is access to sufficient staffing with the right expertise. Unfortunately, municipal Norway is already struggling to recruit enough engineers, which means that landslide protection and flood protection are not prioritized as well as they should.

The consequences are serious: Without sufficient expertise to map risks, plan security measures and implement them, the risk of loss of life and property increases. The NVE has calculated that it will cost around NOK 85 billion to secure all buildings exposed to landslides, floods, erosion and quick clay landslides. This is an investment we cannot afford to postpone, but the municipalities alone cannot bear the burden. They often lack the resources to compete for expertise with the private sector, and the result is an uneven preparedness where some areas are better protected than others.

This is where the role of the state comes in. The authorities must ensure that we do not lack expertise that is important for our societal security and emergency preparedness.  

In the white paper on total preparedness (Report No. 9 to the Storting 2024–2025), the Government sets the direction for a restructuring of the civilian total defence, with an emphasis on robustness against war, terrorism and natural disasters. This is a step in the right direction, but threats to nature must be raised higher on the agenda. The state should help the municipalities through concrete measures:  

• Municipal finances must be strengthened to enable more investment and innovation in emergency preparedness work, through which it will also be easier for the municipalities to attract the right professionals. 
• Increased funding for the education and continuing education of engineers specialized in geotechnical engineering, hydrology and risk management. In addition, more engineering study places must be established in water and sewerage.
• The authorities must ensure a comprehensive overview, cooperation and coordinated division of responsibilities between the public sector and private actors in order to strengthen Norwegian security and emergency preparedness.  

The evaluation of extreme weather Hans emphasizes the need for better prevention and preparedness, with lessons that show that cooperation between the state and municipalities is the key to success. A new law to reduce the risk of quick clay landslides, as recommended in the report after Gjerdrum, would also be a necessary step.

Flooding and landslide protection must be given higher priority in total preparedness. By investing in expertise now, we can prevent future disasters and ensure that all citizens, no matter where they live, are protected.

The state is responsible – let's act before the next landslide or flood hits. As NITO president, I urge the government to make this a national priority: Support the municipalities, build expertise, and protect the people from the forces of nature. The Labour Party went to the election on a safe footing, we hope the government listens to the people.