Fossil fuel exploitation that would trigger a rise in carbon emissions is necessary to support the country financially in its break from Denmark, leaders say, despite it being one of the most climate-affected places in the world

One of the parts of the world being hit the hardest by climate change says it cannot afford to submit to the new Paris agreement to cut emissions and is likely to dramatically increase its contribution to global warming.



Greenland, which is almost the size of Europe but with a population of less than 60,000 people, is a self-governing territory of Denmark.

However, it is seeking full independence from Denmark and will only be able to survive on its own by exploiting its proven oil, gas and mineral reserves, which could take its emissions to some of the highest per capita on Earth.

“The economic situation gives us no choice but to develop mining and oil. We would most likely [seek] a territorial reservation. It would be very costly if we were to submit to a binding agreement,” the administration’s foreign minister, Vittus Qujaukitsoq, told the Guardian at a meeting of Arctic countries in Tromsø, Norway.

The deputy foreign minister, Kai Holst Andersen, said Greenland would likely seek a territorial opt-out from the Paris deal, agreed by nearly 200 countries last month. “If we sign it will cost us hundreds of millions of dollars and we would never be independent,” he said. While Greenland is not a party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which shepherded the Paris deal, Denmark is.



Greenland receives a block grant of nearly $1bn a year from Denmark, around half its income. If it chose independence this would be lost, said Andersen.

New emissions restrictions on Greenland would be almost impossible to honour, said Andersen. “If we want to make a living we cannot afford to make an agreement that will bind us [to cutting emissions]. We are not an independent state. Independence is cancelled if we sign [Paris].”

Under the previous Kyoto climate agreement, which applied to Denmark and other rich countries, Greenland had an emission quota of 650,000 tonnes of CO2 a year - less than is emitted by a single coal-fired power station. The Paris deal covers emissions curbs post-2020.



Greenland’s position will not affect the ratification of the Paris agreement, which will come into force when signed by 55 countries that produce at least 55% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. This is due to take place at a ceremony in New York in April.



But it gives a clear signal to rich countries that they will have to urgently find ways to help poorer countries and regions to finance emission cuts. Many developing countries have said that they will be unable to fulfil their pledges without considerable help. How this money is raised has not been decided, but is likely to be with a mix of carbon trading, taxes and development assistance.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Calved icebergs from the nearby floating on the water in Qaqortoq, Greenland. Climate change is taking place in the Arctic faster than anywhere else, research shows. Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Climate change in the Arctic is believed to be taking place faster than anywhere else with Greenland seeing rapid changes in farming, fishing and development. Mining has become easier as ice retreats and new species of fish enter Greenland waters, but the traditional way of life has been severely disrupted and the melting of the Greenland ice cap is taking place faster than anticipated, giving rise to fears of sea level rise.



“We are seeing the effect of climate change much more clearly now. We must address it in any way we can to make the rest of the world understand how it is affecting all life and livelihoods,” said Qujaukitsok.

“It is is a blessing and a curse for us. We must address it in any way we can. It is affecting our life and ecosystems. It is posing threats but also offering new opportunities,” he said.



Climate change in Greenland was highlighted in the Paris talks when tonnes of ice from one of its fjords were placed in front of the Pantheon to show rapid melting and to inspire negotiators to come up with an ambitious global deal.