Trump’s ambitions about Greenland could endanger climate research – and the future of Earth

Greenland, one of the harshest and most isolated regions on Earth, has today become one of the most important observation points for global climate change. Climate research in Greenland reveals processes deep within the ice sheet that could determine the future of sea levels and the planet’s entire climate – yet all this is now being threatened by political interests and great-power ambitions.

Viking sailors reached the shores of Greenland more than a thousand years ago. Erik the Red and his companions settled among the rugged fjords, where survival required adapting to nature’s unforgiving laws. Ice, wind and long, dark winters shaped life here – but even then it was clear: whoever controls this island holds a strategically crucial territory. Today, however, the autonomous territory’s significance goes far beyond the history books, as The Conversation also notes: climate research in Greenland could influence the future of the entire planet.

The importance of climate research in Greenland

Around 80 per cent of Greenland is covered by a vast ice sheet. If it were to melt completely, global sea levels would rise by approximately seven metres – roughly the height of a two-storey house. The melting of the ice is already accelerating, releasing enormous amounts of fresh water into the North Atlantic Ocean, which in turn threatens the ocean currents that regulate the climate of the Northern Hemisphere.

For this reason, climate research in Greenland is not merely a scientific issue but a matter of global security. Hundreds of glaciers flow from the island’s interior towards the sea, constantly reshaping the coastline. Researchers drill deep into the ice layers to uncover thousands of years of connections between carbon dioxide levels and temperature.

International cooperation has been ongoing on the island for decades. American researchers, NASA and European scientists work together to understand the real dangers posed by climate change. In this sense, climate research in Greenland has become an unprecedented example of an open, collaborative scientific project.

Political storm clouds over the island’s future

Recent statements by Donald Trump – and his increasingly tangible ambitions that the United States could even seize control of Greenland by force – have caused serious concern. Although Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it is politically autonomous and operates as a NATO member. Access to the territory is strictly regulated, with precise rules on what type of research can be carried out and where.

An American takeover, however, would threaten the openness of climate research in Greenland, as scientists from around the world could lose access to one of the most important climate research sites on the planet. This is particularly worrying given that Trump has already withdrawn the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and later from the IPCC, one of the most important organisations in global climate research.

Mineral resources and the dilemma of the green transition

The remaining 20 per cent of Greenland – not covered by thick ice – is an area roughly the size of Germany. Geological surveys have revealed significant mineral resources here, considered key raw materials for the green transition. These include rare minerals used in wind turbines, electric car batteries and other renewable technologies.

Although there are coal deposits, their extraction would not currently be economically profitable, and no major oil fields have been discovered. Greenland is therefore not the key to fossil fuels but to the fight against climate change – once again highlighting the strategic importance of climate research on the island.

International examples and a fragile balance

Looking at similar international cases, Antarctica has been protected by an international treaty for more than 60 years, designating it a peaceful scientific zone where mining is prohibited. A similar situation exists in Svalbard, north of mainland Europe, which is under Norwegian sovereignty but operates a visa-free regime, allowing citizens of nearly 50 countries to live and work there.

Greenland, however, has no such international protective agreement. Its openness depends solely on its political stability – which could be seriously threatened by a foreign takeover. Experts suggest that Greenland could establish its own treaty system with NATO partners to safeguard academic freedom and research access.

Whatever happens in this currently tense situation, the fate of Greenland and its climate research affects all of humanity. If the island’s stability is shaken, we lose not only data but also time – and in the age of climate change, time is a crucial factor.