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Trump calls climate change a "hoax," but that could fuel his attempt to take over Greenland

Jacques Pj Provost

2026-06-20 23:38:57

A Treasure Revealed by Global Warming

Greenland holds between 36 and 42 million metric tons of rare earth oxides. It has the world’s second-largest reserves after China. A 2023 study identified 25 of the 34 minerals considered critical by the European Commission. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, graphite. Names that sound like a technological litany. These elements are crucial for batteries, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. The future of energy depends on them.

The global rare earth market is booming. It is expected to exceed 6.5 billion euros this year. Demand is soaring alongside the green energy boom. And here lies the crux of the problem: global warming is making it easier to extract these minerals. The Greenland ice sheet has lost an average of 1.2 meters in thickness since 2010—enough water to fill Lake Victoria in Africa. This melting makes mining more economically viable. Physical barriers are diminishing. Access is improving.

U.S. Dependence on China

The United States is 100% dependent on imports for 12 minerals deemed critical. China processes more than 90% of the world’s rare earth elements. This dependence is stifling Washington. The Center for Strategic and International Studies is unequivocal: the United States cannot maintain its leadership in national security, economic competitiveness, or energy resilience while remaining dependent on foreign adversaries.

Trump attempted to address this issue as early as his first term. In March 2025, he signed an executive order to increase U.S. mineral production “as much as possible.” He invoked the Defense Production Act to provide loans to the domestic mining industry. He cut through the red tape that hinders projects. He even signed an executive order to ramp up offshore mining. Last month, an agreement was reached with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The goal: to increase U.S. investment in the Congolese mining sector.

This race for minerals makes my head spin. We’re destroying the planet to extract the very materials that are supposed to save it. It’s a vicious cycle that no one seems willing to break. And Trump, for his part, even denies the problem exists while seeking to profit from it.

Section 3: The Obstacles of Reality

A Logistical and Financial Nightmare

Greenland lacks the infrastructure necessary for industrial mining. The harsh climate limits mining to six months a year. Analysts estimate that mining these minerals would cost “billions and billions and billions.” A logistical nightmare. Nick Bæk Heilmann, a consultant at Kaya Partners, is categorical: “Minerals are not the driving force behind the U.S. desire to control Greenland.”

Greenland is already open to investment and mining. There is widespread social acceptance of mining in the country. The United States does not need to acquire the territory to exploit its resources. Furthermore, critical minerals are currently selling at extremely low prices. This undermines the economic viability of such projects. The financial equation simply doesn’t add up.

The Troubling Environmental Issue

The demand for critical minerals is a cause for concern among climate organizations. The ethical and environmental impacts of mining, both on land and on the seabed, are problematic. Trump took steps to accelerate seabed mining in April 2025. He bypassed discussions with the United Nations International Seabed Authority. A moratorium was, however, in place.

Norway postponed its seabed mining projects last December. Yet it had been the first country in the world to authorize this practice. A 2024 report by the Environmental Justice Foundation concludes that seabed mining is not necessary to achieve a fossil-fuel-free world. A combination of new technologies, the circular economy, and recycling could reduce demand for minerals by 58% between 2022 and 2050.

Steve Trent, the foundation’s director, is right. We are chasing after minerals we don’t really need. We are taking the risk of environmental damage we cannot afford. The deep ocean remains largely unknown. But we know enough to be certain that mining these seabeds will destroy unique wildlife and disrupt the world’s largest carbon sink.

Section 4: Trump's True Motivation

Beyond Minerals: Territorial Expansion

Experts are sounding the alarm. Trump’s interest in Greenland cannot be understood primarily through the lens of climate policy or the green transition. Even though these minerals play a central role in American rhetoric, they are not the main driving force. “There remains one final factor—perhaps the most troubling one—which is the expansion of U.S. territory, the idea of manifest destiny,” Heilmann argues.

This notion of manifest destiny dates back to the 19th century—the idea that the United States has the right, or even the duty, to expand its territory. Trump has alluded to it in his speeches. For Greenland, Denmark, and the European Union, this is non-negotiable. The annexation of an autonomous European territory by the United States would set a catastrophic historical precedent.

Climate as a Strategic Catalyst

Jakob Dreyer, a researcher at the University of Copenhagen, believes that global warming and the green transition are changing the economic logic of the Arctic. “We cannot fully understand these dynamics without taking into account global warming and the impact of the green transition on the global economy,” he explains. The Arctic is warming three to four times faster than the global average.

Rising temperatures are opening up new shipping routes. They are reducing barriers to extraction as the ice caps melt. This improves the profitability of extraction, both for fossil fuels and for critical raw materials. “Trump is skeptical of climate change,” adds Dreyer, “but his advisors are not.” That is the heart of the paradox. Trump may deny the science, but his administration understands the strategic implications of global warming.

This cynical clarity chills me more than the wind in Nuuk. They know. They understand. But they choose to deny it publicly so they can exploit it privately. It’s a form of manipulation that defies comprehension.

Section 5: Geopolitical Implications

Russia and China in the Equation

The U.S. Department of Defense, renamed the Department of War, published an analysis more than six years ago. “Climate change has opened up vast areas of the Arctic to surface ships.” The Americans are concerned about Russian and Chinese ships in these northern waters. Climate is part of their strategic calculations. Yet the U.S. response remains largely unchanged.

The U.S. base at Pituffik, formerly Thule, is home to about 150 people. Technology has replaced humans in detecting missiles. But there are no public plans to expand military facilities. If Trump is truly serious about Greenland’s strategic importance, he should expand missile defense and naval facilities. He should build more U.S. submarines, faster, to patrol the North Atlantic.

NATO Held Hostage

Trump seems determined to divide NATO on this issue. The Greenlanders would prefer to remain united. They believe in the American alliance and in the unity of Western democracies more than the U.S. president himself does. Julia Pars makes this clear to me: “I believe in the institutions and agreements established after World War II. I believe they are still important.”

This faith in international institutions stands in stark contrast to Trump’s transactional approach. He treats alliances like commercial contracts. He threatens, he bargains, he intimidates. But the Greenlanders do not want to be a bargaining chip. They want to be respected as human beings with their own will and their own destiny.

This tension breaks my heart. On one side, people who still believe in democratic values, international cooperation, and mutual respect. On the other, a man who sees the world as a playground where everything can be bought, sold, or taken. Two irreconcilable worldviews.

Section 6: The Reality on the Ground

A People Who Persevere

The Greenlanders walk in the cold without hats. They pull their children along in plastic sleds. They step out of cafés and walk through the freezing air toward their cars. It’s a hostile environment, especially in the middle of winter. But they know how to hold their ground. They’re worried about Trump. But they’ll survive him.

This resilience isn’t just a metaphor. It’s a daily reality. Temperatures are supposed to be much lower in January—an average of minus 7.7 degrees. But global warming is changing everything. The locals are noticing it. Winter isn’t what it used to be. The ice isn’t as thick anymore. The seasons are shifting. The world is changing beneath their feet.

Autonomy Under Threat

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark. It manages its internal affairs, but Copenhagen still funds many services. This complex relationship could be upended by American ambitions. Trump talks about striking a deal. But with whom? Denmark? Greenland? It’s never clear. He never seems to address the Greenlanders directly.

This erasure is perhaps the most profound form of violence: treating a people as if they did not exist; negotiating their future without consulting them; deciding their fate as if it were a real estate transaction. The Greenlanders reject this approach. They want to be heard, respected, and taken seriously.

This dehumanization revolts me to my very core. How can human beings be treated like pawns on a chessboard? How can their voices, their desires, their very humanity be ignored? This arrogance astounds me.

Section 7: Historical Precedents

U.S. Territorial Acquisitions

The United States has a long history of territorial expansion. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Alaska in 1867. These transactions shaped the geography of the United States. But the context was different. Local populations had no say in the matter. The rights of Indigenous peoples were violated. Today, in 2026, the rules have changed.

Modern international law recognizes the right of peoples to self-determination. Greenland is not uninhabited land to be conquered. It is an inhabited territory with an autonomous government, democratic institutions, and a vibrant culture. Annexing it against the will of its people would be a flagrant violation of international law.

Lessons Ignored

Trump already attempted to buy Greenland in 2019 during his first term. Denmark rejected the idea, calling it absurd. Trump canceled a state visit to Denmark in retaliation. This time, he is going further. He is threatening to use force. He is talking about taking a “hard line” if necessary.

This escalation is worrying European allies. France, Germany, and other European Union countries have expressed their support for Denmark and Greenland. Emmanuel Macron accused the United States of “gradually turning its back” on its allies. Western unity is cracking under the pressure of Trump’s ambitions.

I see history repeating itself. The same patterns of expansion, domination, and contempt. But it’s 2026. We should have learned our lesson. We should have evolved. Apparently not.

Section 8: Science vs. Denial

The Inescapable Facts of Global Warming

Trump can deny climate change all he wants. The facts remain undeniable. NASA and the European Space Agency have calculated that the Greenland ice sheet has melted the equivalent of the water stored in Lake Victoria. Temperatures are rising. Ice is retreating. Shipping routes are opening up. It’s measurable, quantifiable, undeniable.

At the United Nations last September, Trump called climate change “the greatest hoax ever perpetrated.” Meanwhile, scientists are piling up the evidence. Satellite data show accelerated melting. Weather stations are recording record temperatures. The people of Greenland are testifying to the changes they’re observing.

The Cost of Ignorance

Ignoring science comes at a price. Wildfires are ravaging Australia while Greenland is melting. These are two extremes of the same phenomenon. Global warming knows no borders. It affects everyone, everywhere. Denying its existence doesn’t make it go away. It simply delays the necessary action.

Trump withdrew from the Paris Agreement during his first term. He dismantled environmental regulations. He promoted fossil fuels. Now, he wants to exploit the consequences of global warming—which he denies. This political schizophrenia is dangerous. It sends a contradictory message to the entire world.

This cognitive dissonance is beyond me. How can anyone live with such a contradiction? How can anyone look the evidence in the face and deny it? This ability to compartmentalize reality terrifies me.

Section 9: Possible Alternatives

Cooperation Rather Than Annexation

There are alternatives to annexation. The United States could strengthen its partnership with Greenland under the existing defense agreement. It could invest in Greenland’s infrastructure. It could support the territory’s economic development. All of this without violating Greenland’s sovereignty.

Greenland is open to investment. It is seeking partners to develop its resources in a sustainable manner. American companies could participate in this endeavor—but only in compliance with Greenlandic laws, environmental standards, and the rights of local communities. Mutually beneficial cooperation is possible.

Europe’s Role

The European Union must take a clear stance. Greenland is part of the European family through Denmark. Its territorial integrity must be defended. Germany has committed to playing a greater role in defending Greenland. Other European countries should follow suit.

This crisis could be an opportunity for Europe to strengthen its cohesion—to demonstrate that democratic values, respect for international law, and solidarity among allies are not just words. They must be translated into concrete actions. Support for Greenland and Denmark must be unequivocal.

I want to believe in these alternatives. I want to believe that reason can prevail over force. That dialogue can replace threats. That humanity can choose cooperation over domination. But I am not naive. I know the road ahead will be long and difficult.

Section 10: The Impact on the Energy Transition

An Energy Paradox

The transition to renewable energy requires critical minerals. But mining them poses major environmental problems. We are destroying ecosystems to build technologies meant to save the planet. There is no simple solution to this paradox. It requires a profound rethinking of our consumption patterns.

The International Energy Agency estimates that demand for critical minerals will skyrocket in the coming decades. If we continue on this path, we risk creating new environmental problems while trying to solve the old ones. The circular economy, recycling, and reducing consumption must be part of the solution.

Rethinking Our Approach

The Environmental Justice Foundation’s report shows that a 58% reduction in demand for minerals is possible by 2050. This requires systemic changes, new technologies, different economic models, and strong political will. But it is achievable.

Instead of rushing to exploit every mineral deposit, we should ask ourselves: Do we really need it? Can we do things differently? Are there less destructive alternatives? These questions are uncomfortable because they challenge our growth model. But they are necessary.

This reevaluation gives me hope. Perhaps we don’t need to exploit everything. Perhaps we can choose a different path. Perhaps Greenland can remain intact, preserved, and respected. It’s a fragile dream, but I’m holding on to it.

Section 11: Greenlandic Voices

What the Residents Say

The Greenlanders have a say in the matter. They don’t want to be American. Nor do they necessarily want to remain Danish. Many aspire to complete independence. But this independence must come from them, not be imposed from the outside. Their right to self-determination must be respected.

Local political parties insist that they want to be neither American nor Danish. They want to be Greenlandic. This distinct identity, this unique culture, and this distinct language deserve to be preserved. Greenland is not a commodity to be traded. It is a nation in the making.

The Future They Choose

Greenland’s future must be decided by the Greenlanders. Not by Trump. Not by Denmark. Not by the European Union. They alone can determine their destiny. This should be self-evident. Yet it seems to escape Trump’s understanding.

The residents of Nuuk carry on with their lives despite the uncertainty. They work, raise their children, and build their future. They are worried, yes. But they do not let fear paralyze them. This quiet strength, this unassuming determination, may be their best defense against outside ambitions.

I admire this resilience—this ability to carry on no matter what, to maintain one’s dignity in the face of threat, and to refuse to be reduced to an object of desire. The Greenlanders are teaching us a lesson in humanity.

Conclusion: The wind continues to blow

Resilience That Endures

The wind still howls through the streets of Nuuk after sunset. Parents pull their toddlers along on sleds. Friends step out of cafés and walk through the freezing air. It’s a harsh environment, especially in the dead of winter. But the Greenlanders know how to hold their ground. They’re worried about Trump. But they’ll outlast him.

This certainty isn’t arrogance. It’s experience. They survived Danish colonization. They survived climate change. They will survive the ambitions of an American president. Their land is melting beneath their feet, but their resolve remains as solid as the ice of yesteryear.

The Urgency to Act

The Trump paradox reveals something deeper about our times. We live in a world where facts can be denied while being exploited. Where science is publicly rejected but strategically used. Where peoples are treated as objects in geopolitical transactions. That world must change.

Greenland has become a symbol of our contradictions. A territory melting due to global warming—which some deny. A people seeking independence yet facing external pressures. Resources coveted for an energy transition, yet whose very extraction poses a problem. All these tensions converge on this icy island.

I end this article with mixed feelings. Anger at Trump’s cynicism. Admiration for the resilience of the Greenlanders. Concern for the future of our planet. But also a glimmer of hope. Because the Greenlanders are holding firm. Because the truth always comes out in the end. Because the ice may melt, but the human spirit remains intact. The wind continues to blow over Nuuk. And the Greenlanders continue to walk, heads held high, through the storm.

Sources

Primary sources

The Sydney Morning Herald, “Trump calls climate change a ‘con job’ but it could drive his bid to seize Greenland,” David Crowe, January 13, 2026. Euronews, “Mines, climate, and smokescreens: why Trump is interested in Greenland,” Liam Gilliver, January 9, 2026. Time Magazine, “Why Climate Change Is Making Greenland Desirable to Trump,” January 2026. Le Monde, “Greenland: Why Trump Is Interested in This Island,” January 5, 2026.

Secondary Sources

NASA and the European Space Agency, data on the melting of the Greenland ice sheet, 2026. International Energy Agency, reports on critical minerals and the energy transition, 2025–2026. Center for Strategic and International Studies, analyses on national security and critical minerals, 2025. Environmental Justice Foundation, report on seabed mining, 2024. U.S. Department of Defense, analysis on climate change and the Arctic, 2020.

This content was created with the help of AI.

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