The island, which has been a part of Denmark for three centuries, possesses vast reserves of oil and gas that experts say could yield enormous profits for oil companies, but could also lead to irreversible changes in the Earth's climate.
According to Politico, Greenland holds approximately 31,400 million barrels of oil equivalent and over 140 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. These substantial reserves may appear attractive to industrialists, but for environmentalists and climate activists, they represent a "carbon bomb" that could accelerate global warming.
Following the rise to power of socialists in Greenland in 2021, a moratorium on oil and gas extraction was implemented, marking a significant step towards climate preservation. Trump, who actively supported the increase of fossil fuel production during his presidency, promised to lift the moratorium, arguing it was necessary for "economic security." He repeatedly stated that the United States needed to "unleash American energy," which implies expanding oil and gas production, even if it results in additional greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental organizations are concerned that the annexation of Greenland and the resumption of oil and gas extraction could make it impossible to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, as mandated by international climate agreements. Expanding extraction in Greenland would also signal to other countries that they can continue to exploit natural resources without regard for environmental consequences.
Source: politico.