Sustainability in Greenland

Human, social, economic and environmental sustainability

GREEN GREENLAND FOR THE CLIMATE AND THE FUTURE

In the most literal sense, Greenland is positioned as the still-frozen epicentre of climate change.

Low mosses and flowers on a hiking trail in East Greenland. By Mads Pihl

A BAN ON OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION PUTS GREENLAND ON THE GREEN SCOREBOARD

The commercial interest is not considered high enough for Greenland to be responsible for the climate, environmental and natural risks associated with oil and gas extraction.

A waterfall in the forest near Narsarsuaq. Photo by Mads Pihl.

RENEWABLE ENERGY COLOURS THE GREENLANDIC GEOGRAPHICAL MAP GREEN

Greenland’s proportion of green energy varies from town to town to settlement. With an agreement on new hydroelectric plants in Qasigiannguit and Aasiaat and the expansion of the existing one in Nuuk, green energy should spread across the Greenlandic geographical map.

Qeqertarsuatsiaat is a village south of Nuuk in Greenland. Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland

RUBIES, A STORY OF TRACEABLE AND EXCLUSIVE GREENLANDIC GEMSTONES

Beautiful deep red rubies, a colour that symbolises good luck in China, are also something Greenland has to offer. Near the settlement of Qeqertarsuatsiaat, 4-5 hours south of Nuuk, lies Greenland’s ruby mine.

The front of Sarfaq Ittuk passing an iceberg in the Ilulissat ice fjord in Greenland. By Mads Pihl

THE TOURISM INDUSTRY – A STORY OF ADAPTATION TO A CHANGING CLIMATE

Climate change poses challenges to traditional livelihoods and hunting practices. More people are turning to the tourism industry to support themselves, and they are worth their weight in gold.

Lumpfish roe bite. Photo by Greenland In A Bite by Greenlandic Foodlover - Visit Greenland

LOCAL FOOD SOURCES AND VEGETABLES GROWN IN GREENLAND

Greenland can impress with wild-caught meat and fish – animals that have lived the best free life.

View Point In Nuuk. Photo by Matthew Littlewood - Visit Greenland

NUUK’S CERTIFICATION

– As a sustainable tourists destination is an inspiration for the whole of Greenland. The news that Nuuk, as the first capital city in the world, has been certified as a sustainable tourist destination by EarthCheck is a source of joy in the tourism industry.

Seal skin dressed tourist looking out over the icebergs of the Ilulissat icefjord in Greenland. Rebecca Gustafsson

GREENLANDIC UNESCO SITES – A STORY OF OWNERSHIP AND LOCAL PRIDE

Greenland has miles of magnificent unspoiled nature and colourful culture-filled settlements that do not need a UNESCO accreditation to be appreciated by visitors.

Article by Hlif Linnetved

Hlif is a former member of the B2B and Press team. Currently, Hlif is, Head of Sustainability, at Visit Greenland and very engaged in how sustainability empowers business and market development in tourism.