Long ignored, the Arctic has become an important geopolitical space. The melting ice, accelerated by global warming, has sparked competition and speculation around the important mineral resources - including rare earth and uranium - and hydrocarbons that the Arctic could harbor, as well as around new commercial shipping routes that would significantly reduce current distances. 

Greenland, eager to overcome its economic - and ultimately political - dependence vis-à-vis Denmark, is today faced with a dilemma: the exploitation of resources that are challenging to harvest versus the preservation of its environment which is central to all Inuit culture. 

The current situation has seemed to temper hopes of the Greenland authorities. Three major oil companies have abandoned their exploration license in 2016. There is too much risk and investments are not profitable enough in the current economic context. Greenland is basing its hopes on the fishing sector, which accounts for 90% of its exports, and is the main livelihood for the rural population. This increases the risk of encouraging intensive fishing and these resources are themselves changing due to climate change. The consequences could be disastrous for the fisherman who know how to adapt, and yet have few opportunities for reconversion.