Tara Rudo
Blog 5
9/26/2012
3:33pm
I mentioned in my first blog how the Arctic ice cap is melting at quite an alarming rate and the same thing is being seen with the melting of glacial ice in Greenland. Scientists believe that the area will warm by 14-20 degrees by the end of the century. With fishing being Greenland’s main income for families, the melting of ice is causing trouble but may be opening the opportunity for a mining industry. Fish are moving to colder waters up north which is making the fishing industry die out but the melting of glacial ice is uncovering massive deposits of rare Earth minerals and metals. Narsaq is one of Greenland’s largest towns and many believe that mining for these materials will help save families and incomes but others simply wish to leave the environment alone. Greenland is currently under Denmark rule and many believe that with this mining industry, Greenland can become economically self sufficient, provide revenue, and may even earn it’s independence as a nation. One worry that many have is how will a state with such a small population be able to support an influx of construction workers? Others worry that mining will destroy the natural environment which is essential to Greenland’s national identity, and finally many ask if long-time fishermen can covert to becoming miners? Yes, the mines will promise employment and education of workers which have already begun in preparation. With many fishing industries going under, suicide rates have shot up and hopes of more jobs and income will hopefully lower that number. When it comes to mining for precious minerals and gems, you will always face some kind of radioactive material which would have to be disposed of safely. The government would have to drop it’s “zero-tolerance” policy for mining of radioactive material for this to be a success. People are scared of change and don’t want the environment to suffer anymore than it already has and I think that is a legitimate fear. It’s just a hard fact to face when a struggling family needs a way to bring in some money.
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