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Why is Trump trying to buy Greenland?

Trump isn’t even officially back in office yet, and he is already plotting to ‘buy Greenland’. While it may seem like a rogue venture, the Arctic nation is gradually becoming more and more attractive in the eyes of global leaders – and that’s all thanks to climate change.

Contrary to what its name suggests, Greenland is not so green.

Located in the Arctic, the country is made up of a vast and icy landscape, making it a key spot to watch as the warming impact of climate change accelerates.

While countries all over the world are facing warmer temperatures as a result of the climate crisis, Greenland is especially vulnerable, heating up four times faster than the global average. Its rapidly receding ice cover has been a noticeable indicator of the climate crisis’s impact on our planet over the last few years.

Greenland contains about 8 percent of the world’s freshwater, with scientists suggesting its melting ice sheets would cause sea levels to rise by almost 7 feet.

A total melt situation would also disrupt global weather patterns and the circulation patterns of the Atlantic Ocean.

Of course, these major changes would have catastrophic consequences.

Certain parts of the world would likely be thrust into extreme cold, posing a threat to biodiversity and disrupting agricultural systems.

While Greenland’s important environmental role and its geographical position make it attractive to world leaders, it’s the country’s emerging resources that are starting to draw geopolitical attention.

That’s because, as the ice melts, Greenland’s economic value continues to grow.

Beneath its ice sheets sit rare earth minerals such as oil, and natural gas – all of which are becoming increasingly accessible as temperatures rise. The growing availability of these key resources is causing world leaders to scramble for control and access over the area.

Greenland’s strategic location also makes it a key player in Arctic shipping routes. With less sea ice blocking the way, new routes will be opened up, presenting new trade opportunities.

But while world leaders like Trump and a Xi Jinping are licking their lips for this kind of blossoming opportunity, others can only see environmental destruction and resource-rooted conflict on the horizon.

World leader’s shouldn’t just see the melting of Greenland’s ice sheet as an opportunity to gain more capital.

They should recognise the serious environmental consequences of Greenland’s iceless future, and consider how tapping its natural resources will have serious consequences for the future of global weather patterns, biodiversity, and humanity. 

For now, Trump’s plan to buy Greenland should be seen as the first of many outlandish ideas he will have over the next four years.

The Arctic country, which is currently owned by Denmark, is currently not up for sale. Whether it will be in the future remains to be seen. 

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