Could 2026 mark a historic shift in Arctic sovereignty? The White House’s recent exploration of options to 'acquire' Greenland – a Danish territory with vast untapped resources – has ignited global debate. With 80% of Greenland covered in ice but holding critical minerals and strategic positioning, this move could redefine power dynamics in the region.
🔍 Why now? Experts on The Agenda highlight climate-driven accessibility to Arctic resources and rising US-China tech competition as key factors. Marc Jacobsen, Arctic security expert, notes: 'Greenland’s rare earth metals are vital for green tech – a 21st-century gold rush.'
🇩🇰 Denmark’s response? Firm resistance. Meanwhile, Tillie Martinussen, former Greenland MP, emphasizes local sentiment: 'Residents prioritize sustainable development, not becoming geopolitical pawns.'
💥 Military angle: While the US denies immediate plans for force, Dr. Darren Reid warns: 'History shows resource disputes often escalate. The Arctic is this generation’s new frontier.'
🌐 Global reactions? EU leaders condemn 'colonial-era tactics,' while economists like Jeffrey Sachs question the feasibility: 'Climate costs alone could dwarf short-term gains.'
As ice melts and stakes rise, one question lingers: Will 2026 be remembered as the year the Arctic became a hot zone? ❄️🔥
