Under increased global geopolitical tensions, one of the seven continents of the world may become unavailable to the rest of the world. America, among other countries who have interest in the region’s resources, may see this as a great loss, as buried in this land is the answer to many of the world’s greatest problems. Will this loss truly be devastating, or will it prevent an even greater global crisis?
A global crisis sparking security concerns: Climate change is putting pressure on economies
Every nation is impacted by global warming effects, ranging from extreme weather and worsening human health conditions to ecosystem collapse and food, energy, and water insecurity. Economies become disrupted, and increased competition for increasingly scarce resources results in unfavorable socio-economic conditions that eventually lead to geopolitical tensions. This is why experts and global bodies such as the United Nations (UN) have deemed climate change a “risk multiplier for conflict.”
Now, due to this significant global crisis and increasing geopolitical tensions, the world may be losing access to a part of a continent, and with it, a wealth of critical minerals. The European Union (EU), however, has constructed a game plan, and the U.S. is figuring out whether it stands to gain or lose from it.
Geopolitics may limit access to the Arctic, and Norway has the biggest part to play
The world’s universal goal is to mitigate the effects of climate change and eventually achieve climate targets. The majority of nations believe the key to achieving this goal is critical minerals. That is the problem, as America is facing significant critical mineral shortages, and China still has the global upper hand. This demand alone has sparked security concerns in the Arctic region and Greenland in particular, known for deposits of critical minerals that many countries would love to gain control of.
According to Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, “hybrid threats” impacting the Arctic and other regions of Europe have become more evident and severe, including spying, GPS jamming, and sabotage. A report by The Arctic Institute highlighted that Norway has significant international importance in the Arctic north, which is why it is fair to say that the country plays a crucial role in maintaining peace in international politics.
The “core pillar” of the EU’s new game plan is protection of Greenland’s resources
The EU, along with its allies, will revise its Arctic strategy due to security concerns in the region, with special mention to the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine, America’s pursuit of Greenland for critical minerals, and China’s increased presence. Kallas also confirmed that the “core pillar” of this revised strategy will be Greenland, and Norway will serve as one of the EU’s most trusted allies.
According to Kallas, the revised Arctic strategy should increase security in the Arctic region by focusing on the following:
- Military operations
- Sustainable sustenance
- Resilient communities
- Secure infrastructure
- Trusted organizations
The EU will be contributing funding, research resources, and scientific collaboration, whilst Norway will continue its alliance with NATO to ensure stability and deterrence in the Arctic north. The United States will have a smaller part to play and may well be losing the chance to mine critical minerals in Greenland, along with the other governments that have targeted this wealth of resources.
The new EU-Norway Security and Defense Partnership will certainly have its work cut out for it, especially as maritime and cyber security and critical infrastructure protection become central to the Arctic strategy.
Norway itself seems to be carrying the weight of the world, as the country relies on America for security while juggling its relations with NATO, and must also keep other Nordic partners and the EU happy. Climate change is threatening our survival this very century, so peace and co-operation are vital even while the pursuit of economic benefit remains a priority.
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