Greenland currently relies on mother country Denmark for nearly 40% of its gross domestic product but as global temperatures rise Greenland's ability to produce is expanding. Denmark isn't likely to object to Greenlandic independence too strongly once Greenland develops a developing economy. Greenland has been a Danish protectorate since 1721. The New York Times has the story. What do you think Greenland needs to do to become independent and is it a good idea?
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As the last of many European colonies in North America I think it would be a really good move to start the shift from Danish to True Blue Greenland. Though in some parts of the globe the rising sea level is a disaster, I’m glad it’s not all bad news and it would be great for the protectorate to stand on it’s own two feet, both economically and politically.
Elizabeth, I am not sure I agree with you. First, Greenland is not the last colonial outpost in North America, the most notable being 2 places where my work takes me: the British territory of Montserrat and the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico, both of which are in much better positions in their current political environment than if they sought independence. For that matter, throw in Aruba, Sint Maarten, Curacao and Bonaire, all Dutch territories.
As for independence for Greenland, perhaps full union with Denmark would be a better choice, rather like the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique that are Dépártments of France (assuming that is an advantage, a questionable call in and by itself), which offers full membership in the European Union with all of its economic benefits.
I think it is a good idea that Greeland becomes indepenent and runs its own people. It has its own rich natural resources and that is why it must not rely on Denmark neither economically or politically.
Sami Alamuddin
Well, i’m really not certain about it. I mean, even if global warming continues for 200 more years Greenland would still be a pretty desolate place. However (and this is fascinating to me) it would be the first country governed by native North Americans (Inuits in this case.)
Tambien interesante que Groenlandia se independice… Cierto todavia quedan muchas colonias europeas en América, Bonaire, Curazao, Aruba, Antillas Holandesas, Británicas, Martinica, Guadalupe y más… Pero sería interesante ver esta parte de la Tierra y gran masa terrestre convertida en una nacion independiente, capaz de salir adelante con los recursos que cuenta… A ver que sucede????
I would absolutely love for Greenland to be independent; I’m all for stable, independent countries, and I’m guessing Greenland wouldn’t go starting any wars or anything ridiculous like that. However, if the ice melts enough, won’t that be terrible for the rest of the world? Wouldn’t that kill off hundreds of species, not to mention millions of people? Gosh, I wish there was a good way for Greenland to become independent without global warming becoming deadly.
Demark should send an army to Greenland and make sure it does not lose control. It would be a huge mistake to let go of any piece of land. It is exactly the same mistake like when Russia sold Alaska to the USA. I think that the EU should get involved in stopping this independence.