Greenland’s Response to Renewed U.S. Purchase Talks: “Not for Sale, But Open for Business”

POLITICS | NOV 2024

A recent post by Georgia Representative Mike Collins has stirred renewed discussion about the possibility of the United States purchasing Greenland. Collins, an ally of President-elect Donald Trump, shared a post on X with a map of Trump’s 2024 Electoral College victory, humorously including Greenland colored in Republican red. The caption “Project 2029” suggested the idea of acquiring Greenland if Republicans maintain political control.

This lighthearted suggestion recalls former President Trump’s serious 2019 proposal to buy Greenland from Denmark. Trump’s plan, touted as a “large real estate deal,” aimed to bolster U.S. strategic presence and gain access to Greenland’s natural resources, including rare earth elements vital to clean energy technologies. At the time, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed the proposal as “absurd,” stating that “Greenland is not for sale.”

The government of Greenland has since responded warmly to Trump’s recent election victory, congratulating him on X and expressing interest in expanding economic ties. “The United States is our important neighbor and close ally,” Greenland’s government wrote. “We look forward to strengthening our close relationship and expanding trade cooperation.” Despite Collins’ post, the statement reaffirms that Greenland remains aligned with Denmark’s sovereignty.

Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has self-governed in most areas since 1979, with Denmark retaining control over defense and foreign policy. The island’s economy is underpinned by fishing and increasing interest in mining, with a focus on rare earth elements essential to the global green economy. Although Greenland has long been a subject of U.S. interest, with previous attempts to purchase it dating back to the 1800s, the island’s leaders emphasize that they are committed to partnership, not sale.

As Greenland seeks economic expansion, its message is clear: Greenland is not for sale, but it’s open for business.

Is it Time for a U.S.-Greenland Free Association Agreement?

POLITICS | NOV 2024

In a recent analysis, Kaush Arha of the Free & Open Indo-Pacific Forum, Alexander B. Gray, CEO of American Global Strategies LLC, and Tom Dans, former U.S. Arctic Research Commissioner, argue for a potential Free Association Agreement between the U.S. and Greenland. This call comes as Greenland’s strategic location and economic potential make it an appealing candidate for a formal partnership similar to existing U.S. agreements with Pacific island nations.

Greenland, an autonomous region within the Kingdom of Denmark, holds a pivotal position in North America’s Arctic geography and U.S. security architecture. As global powers like Russia and China increase their influence in the Arctic, advocates see Greenland as an essential ally in maintaining stability in the North Atlantic. Moreover, U.S. investments could fuel Greenland’s economic aspirations, fostering growth in resource development, fisheries, and tourism, all while supporting NATO interests.

The proposed Free Association Agreement would resemble the Compacts of Free Association (COFAs) the U.S. maintains with Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. These COFAs provide exclusive U.S. military access and prevent other powers from establishing a presence. In return, the freely associated states benefit from substantial economic aid, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. A similar model with Greenland could offer comparable strategic advantages, particularly as Greenland seeks more autonomy within the Danish kingdom and aspires for future independence.

Greenland’s recent ten-year foreign and defense policy underscores its desire for expanded trade with neighboring nations and further cooperation with the U.S. on defense. This framework aligns with Indigenous Greenlanders’ history of self-reliance and connections with North American First Nations, particularly in Alaska and Canada.

A U.S.-Greenland Free Association Agreement could prove mutually beneficial, particularly if the U.S. supports and assist in Greenland’s efforts to protect its borders through territorial water surveillance and monitoring of suspected illegal vessel activities. This cooperation would strengthen Arctic security and reinforce Greenland’s position as a vital partner in North America.

Climate Change Triggers Massive Greenland Landslide, Causing Earth to Vibrate for Nine Days

SCIENCE | SEPTEMBER 2024

In September 2023, scientists worldwide were mystified by a unique nine-day seismic signal that radiated across the globe. According to a new study published in Science, this signal was traced back to a colossal landslide in east Greenland’s Dickson Fjord, where a staggering 25 million cubic meters of rock and ice plunged into the water. The impact generated a 200-meter-high tsunami and set off a phenomenon known as a “seiche,” where water sloshes back and forth in an enclosed space. This rare event produced vibrations strong enough to be recorded by seismometers around the world.

Seismologists initially had no idea what was causing the unusual monotone vibration, which was unlike typical earthquake signals. As they investigated, news of a massive tsunami in northeast Greenland reached the scientific community. A global collaboration of 68 researchers from 40 institutions across 15 countries combined field data, satellite imagery, infrasound recordings, and advanced mathematical models to unravel the mystery.

Led by Kristian Svennevig, senior researcher at Denmark’s National Geological Surveys (GEUS), the team confirmed that the landslide originated from a mountain peak weakened by decades of glacial thinning—a process accelerated by climate change. The collapsed mountain triggered the sloshing effect in Dickson Fjord, which created seismic waves at a single, steady frequency, lasting for nine days.

Simulations revealed that the fjord’s narrow, curved shape amplified the oscillations, causing water to surge every 90 seconds, matching the exact frequency observed globally. The seismic impact of this mega-tsunami even reached a research base 70 kilometers away, damaging facilities and destroying cultural sites along the fjord. Fortunately, no cruise ships, which commonly navigate Greenlandic fjords, were near Dickson Fjord on the day of the disaster.

This unprecedented event highlights the increasing instability of areas once considered geologically stable. With climate change accelerating, researchers warn that such large-scale landslides and tsunamis will become more frequent. Svennevig emphasized the need for closer monitoring of vulnerable regions to enable early warnings, as climate-driven changes continue to reshape landscapes worldwide.

Nordic Council dispute

POLITICS | NOV 2024

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has voiced support for Greenland’s and the Faroe Islands’ call for full membership in the Nordic Council. Speaking at the council’s session, Frederiksen advocated for amending the Helsinki Agreement to grant both regions voting rights in the Council of Ministers and full participation in meetings of Nordic Prime Ministers. She emphasized the need for equal participation among all eight Nordic partners.

Faroe Islands’ leader, Aksel V. Johannessen, echoed Frederiksen’s sentiments, stressing the urgency of the change while refraining from setting a specific timeframe. He emphasized that action is necessary to maintain the council’s relevance for both Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, urged the council to embrace a more inclusive approach. Frederiksen pledged to work through any constitutional challenges that might arise, backed by political determination.

Ocean Explorer grounding

CRUISE SHIPS | OCT 2024

The report on the grounding of the cruise ship Ocean Explorer in Alpefjord, Northeast Greenland, is still pending over a year after the incident. The Maritime Accident Commission, responsible for investigating the cause, initially expected to complete the report by early 2025. At the time of the grounding, Arctic Command’s closest inspection ship, Knud Rasmussen, was 2,200 kilometers away, raising concerns about passenger safety. Experts noted that had there been a leak, the 206 passengers and crew could have faced severe risk.

As Arctic tourism increases, concerns are growing about the adequacy of emergency response capabilities in these remote areas. Experts argue that the incident underscores the need for more comprehensive safety measures to protect people and the environment in the Arctic, where the consequences of any maritime accident can be severe.

Failure to communicate

SEARCH AND RESCUE | NOV 2024

The Greenland Police are urging sailors to consistently report their positions while navigating Greenland’s icy waters, cautioning that search and rescue (SAR) operations are costly and may impact those in real emergencies.

Recently, a Norwegian sailboat’s failure to communicate triggered a large SAR response, deploying helicopters and vessels, as authorities were unsure if the vessel was in distress. Though the boat was ultimately safe, the operation incurred significant costs, leading to fines of 4,000 and 40,000 kroner for the captain and ship owner, respectively. Additionally, the owner faces a compensation claim of over 200,000 kroner to cover SAR expenses.

This reminder comes after two other incidents in late July where vessels neglected their reporting duty. Greenlandic authorities emphasizethe importance of regular check-ins to prevent unnecessary SAR missions and ensure ressources are available for genuine emergencies. (The vessel on image is not associated with the incident)

Arctic Watch Greenland is launching a pioneering initiative to document and build comprehensive datasets on the increased private vessel activities in Greenland’s territorial waters, particularly along East Greenland’s coast.