US President Donald Trump recently attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where discussions about Greenland took center stage. His long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland has stirred significant tension, leading some to speculate about trade tariffs and military action.
During a media briefing, Trump labeled Greenland as “imperative for national and world security,” warning several European nations of impending tariffs unless they support his takeover plan. This has raised concerns among European leaders about the potential for a trade war and disruptions within NATO.
Where is Greenland? This is the world’s largest island, primarily located within the Arctic Circle and politically part of Denmark. About 80% of Greenland is covered by the Greenland ice sheet, the second-largest body of ice on Earth, making its interior largely uninhabitable. Most of its 56,000 residents live along the coastline, with Nuuk as its largest city.
Interestingly, Greenland sits near major Arctic countries like Canada and Russia. For instance, Canada and Greenland are only about 16 miles apart at their closest point, showcasing how interconnected these nations are in the Arctic region.
How big is Greenland? It spans around 2.17 million square kilometers, making it roughly three times the size of Texas. Its size often gets distorted on maps, particularly those emphasizing polar regions.
The Arctic is undergoing significant changes, especially in shipping routes. According to the Arctic Ship Traffic Data, ship traffic in the Arctic has increased by 37% between 2013 and 2023 due to melting ice. Key routes include:
- The Northern Sea Route: This route along Russia’s Arctic coast can cut travel time between East Asia and Europe significantly.
- The Northwest Passage: This route through Canada offers a faster route than the Panama Canal.
- The Transpolar Sea Route: Although rarely used now, it may become accessible by the 2050s due to climate change.
In terms of military presence, Greenland hosts the Pituffik Space Base, crucial for monitoring threats and countering Russian influence. About 650 personnel, including US Air Force members, are stationed there. Under a 1951 agreement, the US maintains these facilities as part of NATO collaboration.
China is also stepping into the Arctic game, ambitiously proclaiming plans for a “Polar Silk Road.” They view the region as a future transport corridor and have invested in resource extraction projects in Greenland, including rare earth elements. This aligns with China’s energy strategies, especially amid Western sanctions on Russia.
Greenland is rich in various natural resources, including zinc, gold, and rare earth elements. These have drawn international interest and contribute to Greenland’s economy. However, the extraction of these resources raises environmental concerns, as the Arctic’s fragile ecosystem faces dramatic changes.
Historically, the Inuit settled Greenland around 2500 BCE. Norse explorers arrived in the 10th century, followed by Danish colonization in the 18th century. Greenland gained self-governance in 1979 and has since made strides towards managing its resources, though Denmark still oversees foreign policy and defense.
With the Arctic’s strategic importance growing, conflicts over resources and territory are likely to increase. The situation continues to evolve, shaped by global interests and the ongoing impacts of climate change.
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