Greenland's recent political appointment demonstrates that the territory is making environmental policies its top priority.
The Arctic has recently come into the crosshairs of powerful governments. President Trump has discussed the acquisition of Greenland as global forces show interest in its rich mineral deposits and tactical military position. However, the response of Greenlandic and Danish leaders has been clear: The island is not for sale, and the Arctic should restrict drilling and trade.
On Friday, Greenland appointed Kenneth Høegh as its first Arctic ambassador to the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum that works to promote cooperation in the region.
As the planet's warming has melted Arctic ice, new trade routes have been exposed, and the potential for accessing untapped natural resources has changed.
"It is often noted that routes across the top are up to 40% shorter than the more traditional routes between Asia and Europe (via the Suez Canal) or the East Coast of the United States (via the Panama Canal)," reported the U.S. Naval Institute.
Although there are increased risks and costs of Arctic shipping routes, shipping has increased by 37% in the past 10 years, according to the Arctic Council, and governments are continuing to pressure Greenland and Denmark.
In response, Greenland's ambassador will serve "as a platform for collaboration on issues such as pollution, economic development, and search-and-rescue missions," according to Reuters.
"This is basically the opposite of Trump's agenda: building welfare states that respect the equality and diversity of indigenous peoples while securing the green transition to combat climate change," said Ulrik Pram Gad, an academic at the Danish Institute for International Studies.
While the Arctic Circle may contain lucrative oil fields and minerals, the environmental ramifications of increased drilling for dirty energy could be devastating.
Høegh's appointment is an important step in continuing to protect this region from new drilling.
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