Why the U.S. is Threatening Greenland and Canada

Hint: climate collapse is a factor

Photo by Visit Greenland on Unsplash

What if the incoming US administration knows a lot more about climate change than they let on?

Before you shout at your screen that I've lost the plot, here me out...

Put yourself in an immoral politician's shoes. During an election, their goal is to get votes - not share details about their positions on issues. Details don't trigger emotions. Wild claims do. So every speech, every action is tailored to captivate their audience.

The average voter is ignorant. They spend more time researching a car purchase than a presidential candidate. They vote with their gut, so relatability, soundbites, and easy answers grab their attention.

By saying "climate change is a hoax", the R party permits its voters to abdicate responsibility, and provides an easily repeated catch phrase. Moreover, by contradicting scientific consensus, they manufacture a wedge issue to drive voters apart and distract from the real issues.

Does he really have the capability to be this manipulative? I mean, he has convinced his followers he's a good Christian man, so...

Maybe I'm giving him too much credit, but during the election campaign, it was obvious his strategy was to say whatever his voters wanted to hear, regardless of how infeasible. Somewhat like the grade school presidential candidate promising an extra recess.

Now that the votes have been counted, he has since walked back a few wild claims to become a bit more realistic.

Given this behavior pattern, I believe the incoming administration is aware of the changing climate. I'm sure senior staff have been briefed by military and scientific advisors about the geopolitical implications of a melting arctic, droughts, water shortages and crop failures. I'm also positive some of those military and scientific advisors have used apocalyptic terms.

Given this premise, it is clear why "he" is threatening Greenland and Canada. The strategic importance of these countries to US hegemony are known by senior politicians on both sides of the aisle.

In other words, the US has been and will always be on a path to controlling these regions. "He" has simply (clumsily?) broadcast American desires. How these desires are executed - by force, threat or cooperation - remain to be seen.

Why are Greenland and Canada critical to American strategic interests?

Greenland

1. Control Over New Arctic Shipping Routes
   As climate change melts Arctic ice, shipping lanes like the Northwest Passage are becoming accessible, promising faster trade routes between continents. Controlling Greenland ensures the U.S. dominates this emerging global trade network, preventing adversaries like Russia or China from gaining a foothold.

2. Critical Rare Earth Minerals
   Greenland is rich in rare earth minerals, essential for military technologies, renewable energy systems, and consumer electronics. Without U.S. control, these resources could fall into Chinese hands, undermining America’s technological and defense superiority.

3. Military Supremacy in the Arctic
   Greenland’s location is perfect for expanding U.S. missile defense systems and monitoring Russian Arctic activities. Its strategic position makes it an asset for projecting power in the rapidly militarizing Arctic region.

4. Blocking Russian and Chinese Influence
   Both Russia and China are aggressively increasing their presence in the Arctic. U.S. dominance over Greenland would not only deny them access but also solidify America’s claim over the entire Arctic region as the ice recedes.

Canada

5. Arctic Sovereignty and Shipping
   Canada’s claims over the Arctic are an obstacle to U.S. access to valuable shipping routes and resources. As climate change transforms the Arctic into a global economic hub, the U.S. must take control to ensure these assets are used to its benefit.

6. Securing Energy and Food Supplies
   Canada’s vast reserves of oil and natural gas are indispensable for the U.S. to maintain its energy security. Canada's massive production of principal field crops could also become a critical resource, securing American access to food as global crop yields decline. America cannot afford to leave these critical assets outside its control.

7. Continental Defense
   While Canada shares NORAD responsibilities, the U.S. cannot rely on Canadian cooperation indefinitely. Control of Canadian airspace and Arctic territories would ensure full American ownership over North American defense.

8. Controlling Freshwater Reserves
   As droughts intensify and freshwater becomes increasingly scarce, Canada’s unmatched water reserves will be essential. America could preemptively secure these resources to meet future domestic demands.

9. Aligned Arctic Policy and Enforcement
   Canada’s lukewarm Arctic policies slow U.S. ambitions to assert dominance in the region. Taking over Canada would streamline Arctic strategy and ensure the U.S. leads unchallenged as climate change reshapes the region.

Side Note: Why has the Panama Canal been threatened?
The Panama Canal is a strategic chokepoint that controls 6% of global trade, making it one of the world’s most critical waterways. Its importance extends beyond commerce, as it enables the rapid movement of U.S. naval forces between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, solidifying the nation’s position as a maritime superpower. Full U.S. control of the canal would eliminate reliance on Panamanian authorities and secure this vital artery against interference by rival powers, particularly China. Beijing's increasing investments in Panama’s ports and infrastructure pose a direct threat to U.S. influence in the region, and military control of the canal would hinder Chinese ambitions in the Americas. Additionally, the canal is essential for transporting U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) and agricultural exports, safeguarding these key sectors from geopolitical disruptions. Beyond economic and military advantages, controlling the Panama Canal would enhance U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere, allowing for stronger influence over Central and South America while curbing adversarial ambitions. Such a move would solidify the U.S.'s position as an unchallenged power in the region, ensuring both strategic and economic security.

John Bolton - a old school conservative hawk with behind the scenes experience - reiterates the strategic benefit of US influence over Greenland and Canada in the following video. And yes, he even says the words "global warming". If a guy like this knows about it, others certainly do. And this is shaping America's geopolitical ambitions.