Why Greenland Matters to the United States, and Why Some People Are Sceptical

8 January 2026

Paul Francis

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Greenland has become an increasingly prominent part of global geopolitical discussion, particularly in relation to the United States. On the surface, the interest can appear puzzling. Greenland has a small population, harsh conditions, and limited infrastructure. Yet for Washington, it represents one of the most strategically significant territories in the world.

Snow-covered mountains and rocky peaks rise above a deep blue sea, under a clear sky, creating a serene and majestic landscape.

At the same time, recent events elsewhere have led many observers to question whether security alone explains American interest in regions rich in natural resources. Greenland now sits at the intersection of strategic necessity and public scepticism.

Greenland’s strategic importance to US security

The primary and most consistently stated reason for US interest in Greenland is security.

Greenland occupies a crucial geographic position between North America and Europe. It sits along the shortest route for ballistic missiles travelling between Russia and the United States. This makes it essential for early warning systems and missile defence.

The US has maintained a military presence in Greenland since the Second World War. Today, Pituffik Space Base plays a key role in monitoring missile launches, tracking satellites, and supporting NATO defence architecture. These systems are designed to protect not only the United States but also its allies.

As Arctic ice continues to melt, the region is becoming more accessible to military and commercial activity. Russia has expanded its Arctic bases, and China has declared itself a near-Arctic state. From Washington’s perspective, maintaining influence in Greenland helps prevent rivals from gaining a foothold in a region that directly affects North Atlantic security.

The Arctic, climate change, and future competition

Climate change has transformed Greenland’s relevance. What was once largely inaccessible is now opening up.

New shipping routes could shorten trade paths between Asia, Europe, and North America. Scientific research, undersea cables, and surveillance infrastructure are all becoming more viable. Greenland’s location places it at the centre of these emerging routes.

For the United States, this makes Greenland less of a remote territory and more of a forward position in an increasingly contested region.

Red Mobil barrel secured with ropes on wood structure, against a cloudy sky. Blue pipes and rusty metal bar in background.

Oil and resource speculation as a secondary factor

While security dominates official policy discussions, resource speculation is often raised as an additional reason for interest in Greenland.

Greenland is believed to hold potential offshore oil and gas reserves, as well as deposits of rare earth elements, lithium, graphite, and other critical minerals. These materials are essential for electronics, renewable energy systems, and defence technologies.

It is important to note that Greenland currently restricts new oil and gas exploration licences, largely due to environmental concerns. Large-scale extraction remains difficult, expensive, and politically sensitive.

For the United States, oil is not a strategic necessity in Greenland. The country is already one of the world’s largest oil producers. However, critical minerals are a longer-term concern. The US remains heavily dependent on foreign supply chains, particularly from China, for many of these materials.

This makes Greenland attractive as a potential future partner rather than an immediate resource solution.

Why scepticism exists

Despite official explanations, scepticism persists, and not without reason.

In recent years, the United States has taken highly visible actions elsewhere that involved control over oil production and transport. These actions have reinforced a long-standing public perception that resource interests sometimes sit beneath security justifications.

The Iraq War remains a powerful reference point. Although the official rationale focused on weapons and security threats, the protection and control of oil fields became a defining feature of the conflict in the public imagination. That perception continues to shape how many people interpret US foreign policy today.

More recently, actions involving sanctions, tanker seizures, and control of oil revenues in other regions have revived these concerns. When military or economic pressure coincides with resource-rich territories, scepticism follows.

Against this backdrop, even legitimate security interests can be viewed through a lens of historical mistrust.

Greenland is not Iraq, but history shapes perception

Greenland differs significantly from past conflict zones. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, a NATO ally. The United States does not dispute Danish sovereignty and has repeatedly stated that Greenland’s future must be decided by its people.

US engagement in Greenland has focused on diplomacy, scientific cooperation, and defence partnerships rather than intervention. There has been no military conflict, no occupation, and no attempt to forcibly extract resources.

However, history matters. Public opinion is shaped not only by current actions but by patterns over time. When people see strategic interest combined with resource potential, they naturally draw comparisons.

Denmark’s role as a stabilising factor

Denmark plays a crucial role in shaping how Greenland is engaged internationally. As the sovereign state responsible for defence and foreign policy, Denmark ensures that US involvement occurs within established legal and diplomatic frameworks.

This partnership reduces the likelihood of unilateral action and helps keep Greenland’s development aligned with environmental standards and local governance.

The broader reality

Greenland’s importance to the United States is real, and it is primarily rooted in geography and defence. Resource speculation exists, but it is not the driving force behind current policy.

At the same time, scepticism is understandable. History has taught many people to question official narratives when strategic interests and natural resources overlap.

The truth lies in the tension between these two realities. Greenland matters because of where it is, what it enables, and what it may one day provide. How it is treated will determine whether it becomes a model of cooperation or another chapter in a long story of mistrust.

Greenland is not a prize to be taken, but a partner to be engaged. Whether that distinction holds in the long term will depend not just on policy statements, but on actions.

In a world shaped by climate change, great power competition, and historical memory, even legitimate interests must contend with the weight of the past.

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A Journey to the Heart of Yorkshire: Thank Goodness You're Here! - A Brilliant Satire of Northern England

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Scrolling through TikTok one evening, I stumbled upon a clip that had me in stitches. It featured a group of American gamers trying to navigate the thick Yorkshire accent in a game called "Thank Goodness You're Here!". They were clearly struggling, much to the amusement of the comments section, but what really caught my attention was the setting—a surreal, cartoonish town that felt oddly familiar. After a bit of digging, I discovered that this quirky gem was available on Steam. Without hesitation, I downloaded it, and two sessions later, I was completely hooked.

Set in the fictional town of Barnsworth, "Thank Goodness You're Here!" is a fantastically bizarre adventure that’s part love letter, part satirical send-up of the North of England—specifically, Yorkshire in the 1960s and 70s. The game’s developers, Coal Supper, have created a world that is as charming as it is eccentric, drawing heavily on the idiosyncrasies of life in Northern England. From the moment you step into Barnsworth, you’re transported to a world that feels both nostalgic and surreal, where every corner of the town hides a new absurdity waiting to be uncovered.

The Charm of Barnsworth: A Nostalgic Nod to Barnsley

If you’ve ever been to Barnsley, or any town in Yorkshire for that matter, you’ll immediately recognize the inspiration behind Barnsworth. The terraced houses, cobbled streets, and local characters are all reminiscent of a bygone era in Northern England, specifically the 60s and 70s. But it’s not just the setting that evokes this period—Coal Supper has infused the game with the spirit of the North, from the dry humor to the subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods to Yorkshire culture.

As someone who lives North of the Watford Gap, the game’s portrayal of Barnsworth hit home. It’s a place where the local pub is the heart of the community, where everyone knows everyone else’s business, and where the eccentricities of small-town life are celebrated rather than hidden. The developers clearly have a deep love for their roots, and this shines through in every detail of the game.

Coal Supper: The Creative Minds Behind the Madness

Coal Supper is an indie game development studio that has managed to carve out a unique niche for themselves with this debut title. Led by Joe Sutherland, the studio’s vision is to create games that are not just visually distinctive but also rich in narrative and humor. Sutherland’s background in visual arts is evident in the game’s hand-drawn aesthetic, which draws inspiration from classic British animation and cartoons. But what really sets Coal Supper apart is their ability to blend this artistic style with gameplay that is both engaging and hilarious.

The team’s attention to detail is what makes "Thank Goodness You're Here!" stand out. From the character designs to the environmental storytelling, every aspect of the game is crafted with care and a touch of absurdity. This is a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s precisely what makes it so enjoyable.

Thank Goodness You're Here!: A Surreal Adventure Through Yorkshire

"Thank Goodness You're Here!" is not your typical adventure game. It’s a surreal journey through a town that feels like it’s been plucked straight out of a Monty Python sketch. You play as a nameless protagonist who finds themselves in Barnsworth for reasons that are never fully explained. Your goal? To complete a series of increasingly bizarre tasks set by the town’s oddball residents.

Whether you’re helping the local butcher with a very unconventional delivery or trying to decipher the ramblings of the village idiot, the game keeps you on your toes with its unpredictable scenarios. The tasks are as absurd as they are entertaining, and the humor is distinctly British, with plenty of dry wit and clever wordplay.

One of the game’s standout features is the voice acting, which includes none other than Matt Berry. Berry, known for his roles in The IT Crowd and What We Do in the Shadows, lends his distinctive voice to one of the game’s key characters, adding an extra layer of charm and humor. His booming voice perfectly complements the game’s eccentric atmosphere, making every interaction a delight.

A Satirical Masterpiece

At its core, "Thank Goodness You're Here!" is a satire—a playful, affectionate poke at the peculiarities of life in Northern England. It’s a game that celebrates the region’s culture while also exaggerating its quirks for comedic effect. The result is a game that is not only fun to play but also deeply entertaining, especially if you have any connection to Yorkshire or the North of England.

But even if you’ve never set foot in Barnsley, there’s plenty to enjoy here. The game’s humor is universal, and its surreal scenarios are guaranteed to make you laugh, regardless of your background. And if you do find yourself struggling with the Yorkshire dialect, don’t worry—the game comes with subtitles.

A Must-Play for Fans of British Humor

"Thank Goodness You're Here!" is a game that I can’t recommend enough. It’s a breath of fresh air in a sea of overly serious titles, offering a playful escape to a world that is as strange as it is familiar. Whether you’re a fan of British humor, enjoy narrative-driven games, or simply want to experience something completely different, this game has something for everyone.

Coal Supper has delivered a fantastic debut that is sure to leave a lasting impression, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. In the meantime, I’ll be revisiting Barnsworth, where the tea is strong, the accents are thick, and the laughs are guaranteed.