Greenland's Ice Melts, Threatening Culture

In Ilulissat, Greenland, the winter landscape has transformed, with dog sleds now bouncing over earth and rock instead of gliding on snow and ice. Jørgen Kristensen, a five-time dog sled champion, recalls a time when January offered ample ice, but now experiences unseasonably warm temperatures, sometimes above freezing. This drastic change impacts traditional life, as Kristensen now collects snow for his dogs. The warming climate is causing permafrost to melt, damaging infrastructure, and leading to the accelerated retreat of glaciers like Sermeq Kujalleq, a significant contributor to global sea level rise.

The loss of reliable sea ice, which once acted as vital pathways for hunting and connecting communities, deeply concerns Greenlanders. This warming trend, amplified in the Arctic at three to four times the global average, also makes fishing more dangerous due to unpredictable ice conditions formed by rain. Many believe the melting ice, which may reveal rich mineral deposits, is behind foreign interest in owning Greenland. Kristensen emphasizes the urgent need to educate children worldwide about the importance of ice and oceans to protect nature for future generations.