Portrayal of the Environment in Hangötidningen 1890-1977

Abstract

I have studied the literature series Hangö i Tiden and investigated how nature and environmental issues were portrayed in Hangötidningen from 1890 to 1977. With this I have investigated how things were written back then and how the media portrayed the environment. We can also learn how that thinking affected decision-making and projects. People interested in history, nature or both as well as researchers will benefit from this compilation. Nothing has ever been written about this before, therefore I have filled a research gap and also helped other people and researchers. On national and global levels similar research has been made but never anything about Hangö. I wanted to write specifically about Hangö because a) nothing exists b) due to the important environment on the peninsula c) to inform d) due to personal interest in the matter. I have worked with historical data because such matters are analyzed and discussed very much today regarding current information but not much is mentioned about how it was before. By understanding the history better, we can also understand the present in a better way. The thesis shows how the portrayal in topics have changed during this time period. There is a change in percentage of environmental articles over the years, but it is not so significant, during the more rural years there were slightly more environmental articles. The overall tone is quite similar over the period but some of the subjects change very much because of local problems and needs. The public interest in the environment is on the same level throughout the period and even in the late 1800s people are worried about their local forests and beaches.