Open AccessSeeking Community Consent for Resource Development in Greenland
Author(s) -
Jonathan Wood
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
nordicum-mediterraneum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1670-6242
DOI - 10.33112/nm.17.2.7
Subject(s) - politics , arable land , home rule , danish , independence (probability theory) , political science , geography , business , environmental planning , law , agriculture , archaeology , linguistics , philosophy , statistics , mathematics
One of the major topics in Greenland’s politics in recent years has been the decision to develop, or not, some of the most abundant deposits of rare earth elements (REEs) on the planet. The upsides are plenty: less dependence on the Danish block grant, increased independence for Greenland, strategic alliances with Western nations and more. However, there are also downsides, such as destroying some of the little arable land Greenland has, disrupting ways of life, threatening food security, and putting more pressure on the healthcare system with new workers and maybe even unexpected illnesses from mining pollution. But how do Greenlanders feel about these changes? And do the consultation processes listen to their opinions?