Neil DeGrasse Tyson was asked by a reader of TIME magazine, "What is the most astounding fact you can share with us about the Universe?" This is his answer.
Global warming is melting Greenland's ice, easing access to rich natural
resources like oil and rare earth minerals, but at what cost to the environment and traditional
way of life. The face of the country is rapidly changing. In tandem with climate
change, the fish stocks that largely supported the population have
plummeted, while farming and oil production is on the rise. Some hope it
will alleviate the poverty that exists in Greenland, but the dangers
are clear. "Unlike Mexico if a spill happened up here, there is no way
you could deal with it", points out Greenpeace activist Jon Burgwald.
Greenland is now under increasing industry and international pressure to
allow drilling. As Premier Kuupik Kleist points out the country is at a
crossroads, "You have to fight the battles climate change brings with
it".
For more on Nick Lazaredes' story, go to the SBS Dateline website... www.bit.ly/pXVa1I
Neil DeGrasse Tyson was asked by a reader of TIME magazine, "What is the most astounding fact you can share with us about the Universe?" This is his answer.
