COASTAL EROSION

The west coast of Denmark is sandy and windswept, making it a magnet for tourists, both Danes and foreigners, particularly Germans. Unfortunately, after every major storm, the coast moves a couple of metres inland. Eventually, the erosion takes the odd summer house with it.

None of this is rocket science. If you buy a summer house on the west coast, then erosion is an occupational hazard. Not surprisingly, summer house owners think differently. They believe that it is the state's responsibility to compensate them if their beloved property disappears into the sea.

I vehemently disagree.

Walter Blotscher