What is Camp Century in Greenland?

Camp Century was a secret U.S. military installation built beneath the Greenland ice sheet during the Cold War.

Why is Camp Century a threat now?

The thawing ice sheet is causing Camp Century's toxic waste, including fuel and sewage, to resurface and potentially contaminate the environment.

Who is responsible for cleaning up Camp Century?

Camp Century remains under Denmark's jurisdiction, but cleanup efforts face significant challenges.

Home / Environment / Arctic Time Bomb: Camp Century Pollutes

Arctic Time Bomb: Camp Century Pollutes

26 Nov, 2025

•

Summary

A Cold War military base in Greenland is thawing.
Camp Century contains vast amounts of sewage and fuel.
Pollutants could contaminate Arctic waters and food chains.

Beneath Greenland's ice sheet lies a buried Cold War secret: Camp Century. Decommissioned in 1967, the U.S. military installation was never fully cleaned, with the assumption it would remain frozen indefinitely. However, rising global temperatures are now causing the ice to thin, threatening to expose the hazardous legacy of this forgotten base.

Researchers estimate Camp Century contains over 240,000 liters of sewage and wastewater, alongside 200,000 liters of diesel fuel and radioactive coolant. As the ice melts, these pollutants could seep out, eventually reaching the ocean. Such contamination poses severe risks to Arctic ecosystems, global food chains, and human health.

This situation highlights a broader challenge as melting permafrost and ice sheets reveal hidden environmental threats. While cleanup efforts face significant logistical and political obstacles, increasing awareness and supporting climate action are crucial steps. Individuals can contribute by adopting energy-efficient practices and reducing waste to mitigate planet-warming pollution.