An Arctic ‘cold rush’? Understanding Greenland's (in)dependence question

Abstract

Over the last decade claims that an Arctic ‘cold rush’ is taking place have intensified. Proponents of the argument contend that the unprecedented effects of climate change plus strong global demand for the region's natural resources are creating the conditions for a future economic boom. In both of these respects, Greenland merits particular attention. Some recent predictions suggest great riches accruing to Greenland, on account of its abundance of oil, gas and mineral deposits; as a consequence, some further argue, Greenlandic independence from Denmark is assured. In response, this article contests these arguments. For now, the natural and mineral resource sector in Greenland is tiny, and thus it is still much too soon to know whether it will even deliver the dazzling economic outcome forecast – let alone whether or not this outcome will benefit Greenland. In addition, the question of Greenlandic independence does not simply boil down to economics, but also raises various social, political, legal and strategic issues which are not easily resolvable. Consequently, Greenland's independence from Denmark is not simply a matter of time, but remains very much an open question.

Greenland – from Autonomy to (In)Dependence

“…This optimism is toned down by analyses indicating that the extraction of natural resources may contribute to the development of the island, but may not automatically lead to independence, as this process is much more complicated and multidimensional (Wilson, 2017).…”

Theorizing MNE-NGO conflicts in state-capitalist contexts: Insights from the Greenpeace, Gazprom and the Russian state dispute in the Arctic

“…These in turn have prompted environmental organizations to launch environmental protection campaigns directed toward 3 multinational companies intending to undertake oil exploration in the Arctic . Also, the melting ice opens new Arctic passages and hence the region is becoming strategically more important to states and multinational enterprises (MNEs) as new opportunities for trade and ways to cut transportation costs emerge (Wilson, 2017).…”