HOMEWORK for 18 January 2026

 Read the text about Greenland. Below the text are the words to be explained in class next Monday.

Greenland: A Remote Island with Global Importance

Greenland is the world’s largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Although it is geographically part of North America, Greenland is politically and culturally linked to Europe. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with its own government that manages most domestic affairs. About 56,000 people live in Greenland, mainly along the coast, because the interior is covered by a massive ice sheet.

Greenland has been connected to Denmark for several centuries. Danish-Norwegian explorers began settling in Greenland in the early 18th century, building on earlier Viking settlements from the Middle Ages. In 1814, after the breakup of the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway, Denmark officially kept control of Greenland. Over time, Denmark established colonial rule, which lasted until the mid-20th century. In 1979, Greenland gained home rule, and in 2009 it received expanded self-government, although Denmark still controls foreign policy and defense.

One of Greenland’s most striking features is its natural environment. Around 80% of the island is covered by ice, which can be up to three kilometers thick in some places. This ice sheet plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. However, due to global warming, Greenland is losing ice at an alarming rate. Rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt faster than ever before, contributing significantly to global sea-level rise. This has consequences not only for Greenland but also for coastal communities around the world.

Climate change is also transforming life in Greenland itself. Traditional activities such as fishing and hunting are becoming more difficult as sea ice forms later and melts earlier. At the same time, new economic opportunities are emerging. Melting ice makes it easier to access natural resources such as rare earth minerals, oil, and gas. These resources are in high demand for modern technologies, including renewable energy systems and electric vehicles.

Because of this, Greenland has gained strategic importance in global politics. Major powers like the United States, China, and Russia are increasingly interested in the Arctic region. They see Greenland as a key location for military security, trade routes, and resource access. The Arctic is becoming more accessible due to melting ice, opening new shipping routes that could shorten travel time between continents.

Despite these global interests, many Greenlanders are focused on protecting their environment and culture. There is an ongoing debate about how to balance economic development with sustainability and independence. Greenland’s future decisions will not only shape the lives of its people but also influence global efforts to address climate change.

In today’s interconnected world, Greenland is no longer a distant, isolated place. It has become a symbol of how climate change, politics, and environmental responsibility are deeply linked on a global scale.

U.S. President Donald Trump has recently renewed his strong interest in Greenland, stating that the island is strategically crucial for American and global security. He argues that the United States must increase its influence there to prevent Russia or China from expanding their presence in the Arctic. Greenland and Denmark have firmly rejected these statements, stressing that Greenland is not for sale and that its future must be decided by its own people. The situation has increased diplomatic tensions and underlined Greenland’s growing importance in today’s world politics.