America’s Eyes on Greenland, What’s at Stake?

Greenland is making history. This massive but sparsely populated island might decide this year whether to leave Denmark and forge its own path. While they have enjoyed autonomy for a long time, many Indigenous people dream of full independence. But is this dream achievable, or does it sound more like utopia? Let’s rewind a bit and see how Greenland arrived at this pivotal moment.

How Did We Get Here?

Greenland’s journey from autonomy to independence has been anything but straightforward. In 1979, the island gained greater freedom to manage its own affairs, but the 2009 self-government agreement brought something even more significant: the right to hold a referendum on independence. 

That’s precisely what they plan to do this year. The island's prime minister has already hinted that a referendum is on the horizon—arguably the most critical moment in Greenland’s history.

But how did an island so closely tied to Denmark come this far? It’s a long story. Initially, when Greenland was under Norwegian control, things looked very different. Later, it became a Danish colony—a status that lasted for centuries. 

Over the past 50 years, the island’s people have increasingly felt a desire to chart their own course. Politically and culturally, Greenland is vastly different from Denmark—here, Inuit traditions dominate, and life revolves around the harsh conditions of the Arctic.

A Treasure Trove Amidst the Ice

Greenland is rich—not in money (not yet), but in natural resources. The island boasts oil, natural gas, and critical minerals essential for modern technology. According to the European Commission, Greenland holds 25 of the 34 critical minerals the world increasingly needs to replace fossil fuels. 

This is a powerful argument for independence because if Greenland can manage these resources wisely, its people could become significantly wealthier.

Who controls these resources? Chinese companies are already involved in some projects, including developing the world’s largest critical mineral deposit in southern Greenland. 

Meanwhile, the U.S. is also keenly interested, as they don’t want to see China gaining a foothold here. This year’s geopolitics often feels like a chess game, with Greenland becoming a valuable pawn.

Climate Change Heats Up Interest in Greenland

Climate change affects everyone, but it’s hitting Greenland particularly hard. The ice sheet that covers much of the island is melting, opening up new shipping routes. 

The Northern Sea Route through the Arctic is about 40% shorter than the route via the Suez Canal, making Greenland’s location logistically appealing. It’s no wonder that both China and Russia are active here, while the U.S. and Europe aren’t sitting idle either.

Challenges on the Path to Independence

While the idea of independence is enticing, it won’t come easily. Here are some major hurdles:

Money, Money, Money: Greenland currently receives a large portion of its funding from Denmark—about 20% of its GDP. If this financial support disappears, they’ll need to quickly find new income sources.

Infrastructure and Living Conditions: Greenland is enormous but extremely sparsely populated. Large cities are almost nonexistent, public transport is minimal, and the harsh environment makes life challenging.

Political Pressure: Independence would mean taking responsibility for foreign policy and security. How ready is Greenland to negotiate with global powers like the U.S. and China to protect its interests?

Dream or Reality?

So, is Greenland’s independence truly possible? The answer largely depends on how well the islanders can manage their natural resources and navigate international relations. 

The dream of a sovereign state is alive among the Indigenous population, and if a referendum is held, independence might get the green light.