| | Trump appoints Greenland special envoy. Denmark summons US ambassador
Story by Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY
Denmark's foreign minister on Dec. 22 summoned the U.S. ambassador after President Donald Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the United States' special envoy to Greenland.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen said in a statement that Landry's appointment showed that the White House's interest in the Arctic island, which is rich in natural resources and strategically located, had not gone away. Denmark, a NATO ally of the U.S., has repeatedly said Greenland is not for sale.
"We insist that everyone including the U.S. - must show respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark,” Rasmussen said. A day earlier, Trump wrote in a post on his social media website Truth Social that "Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World."
Greenland is controlled by Denmark, though the territory has its own local government. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, in a separate statement, said the island would decide its own future.
Tensions between Copenhagen and Washington have soured amid Trump's stated interest in taking control of Greenland. Earlier this month, Denmark's intelligence services for the first time described the U.S. as a potential threat to its national security because of the Trump administration's apparent willingness to use economic and military coercion and pressure "to enforce its will," even against allies.
Trump appoints Greenland special envoy. Denmark summons US ambassador
Greenland access to Arctic oil and gas
Greenland's access to Arctic oil and gas is a subject of significant interest and potential. The region's strategic location and vast untapped natural resources make it a focal point for exploration and investment. The recent merger of Pelican Acquisition Corporation, Greenland Exploration Limited, and March GL Company into Greenland Energy Company positions the new entity as the first U.S. public company dedicated to advancing oil and gas development in Greenland’s Jameson Land Basin. This move is part of a broader effort to unlock Arctic drilling and potentially increase domestic energy production.
World Oil
The Arctic's reserves have the potential to produce 240 billion barrels of oil and natural gas, with the region's proximity to northern shipping lanes and potential for vast hydrocarbon resources making it a lucrative investment. The U.S. regulatory standards, which often encourage resource development and offer tax incentives, could open the floodgates for exploration in Greenland. Companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and BP would likely prioritize Greenland for its untapped reserves, positioning it as a new frontier in Arctic oil production.
oilfieldworkers.com
However, Greenland's current regulatory framework imposes strict limitations on oil and gas exploration, prioritizing environmental protection and the preservation of its pristine Arctic ecosystem. The government has banned all future oil exploration, citing the global climate crisis as a driving factor. This decision reflects Greenland's commitment to combating climate change and has been widely praised by environmental organizations.
oilfieldworkers.com
The geopolitical competition between the United States, Russia, and China over Greenland's strategic importance adds another layer to the discussion of access to Arctic oil and gas. Greenland's strategic location in relation to security and defense activities, and its vast untapped natural resources, make it a focal point in the Arctic contest between global powers.
WWF Arctic
In summary, Greenland's access to Arctic oil and gas is a complex and evolving topic, involving both economic and environmental considerations, as well as geopolitical implications. The future of this resource-rich region will depend on a careful balance of exploration, environmental protection, and geopolitical interests. |
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