Politico: Trump's Interest in Greenland May Be Linked to the Island's Oil and Gas Reserves

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Politico: Trump's Interest in Greenland May Be Linked to the Island's Oil and Gas Reserves

Greenland, the largest island on the planet, is back in the spotlight after Politico suggested that US President-elect Donald Trump’s interest in the region could be closely tied to its rich oil and gas reserves. According to Politico’s analysis, Greenland’s oil and gas reserves represent a potentially lucrative avenue for US and international mining companies.

Greenland, an autonomous territory within Denmark, has significant natural resources that remain largely unexploited due to harsh climate conditions and environmental constraints. However, with climate change and melting ice, access to these resources is becoming increasingly possible. According to the US Geological Survey, Greenland may contain up to 50 billion barrels of oil, making the island an object of interest not only for the US but also for other world powers.

Trump’s interest in Greenland is nothing new. Already during his first term as president in 2019, he publicly talked about buying the island, offering Denmark billions of dollars for the territory. At the time, the proposal was perceived as an eccentric idea, but current statements and actions show that the topic has not disappeared from the agenda. According to Politico, if the US were to gain control of Greenland, it would open up new opportunities for American energy companies, which could take advantage of these resources in the context of the energy independence policy that Trump actively promoted during his presidency.

Critics, however, warn of potential environmental disasters associated with oil drilling in a fragile region like the Arctic. Greenland has already imposed a moratorium on oil and gas production until 2041 in an effort to protect its unique ecosystem, but under the new Trump administration, known for its support of energy projects, those environmental restrictions could be under review.

Political motives also play a role. Control of Greenland could strengthen the US geopolitical influence in the Arctic, especially in the context of competition with Russia and China, which also have an interest in the region. Russia is already actively developing its Arctic routes and resources, while China is seeking the status of a “near Arctic state” by investing in infrastructure and research.

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