FILED - 04 February 2025, Greenland, Nuuk: View of part of the Greenlandic capital Nuuk and the fjord behind it. Greenland has become the focus of world attention due to the desires of US President Donald Trump. Photo: Steffen Trumpf/dpa (Photo by Steffen Trumpf/picture alliance via Getty Images)
President Donald Trump’s ambitions to occupy Greenland, the world’s largest island, may be hindered by climate change. Trump has long been interested in securing Greenland due to its abundant natural resources, including critical minerals, untapped oil reserves, and strategic military positioning opportunities.¹
Greenland’s unique location in the international shipping network, particularly as melting sea ice opens up new trade routes, has made it an attractive target for Trump’s U.S. energy and military expansion plans. The president has even offered to purchase the island from Denmark or potentially take it by force.
However, climate change poses a significant challenge to Trump’s plans. Rising temperatures are causing Greenland’s vast ice sheet to melt at an alarming rate, leading to concerns about the island’s habitability and the feasibility of exploiting its natural resources.
Despite these challenges, Trump remains committed to his plans, highlighting the importance of Greenland’s resources in supporting U.S. energy independence and national security. The situation is being closely monitored, with many experts warning that climate change could ultimately thwart Trump’s efforts to occupy Greenland.
