The predictions made by researchers of climate changes in the Arctic will have great significance for the society, trade and  industry of Greenland. The changes will bring both positive and negative effects. For the modern Greenland society the changes will mainly be positive, but the climate changes will probably have negative consequences for the traditional hunters’ culture, and for some of the plant and animal species adapted to life in the high Arctic area or associated closely with sea ice.

Fishing, hunting and agriculture
Fishing is the key activity creating employment and export and is thus the far most important commercial activity for the Greenland society. Researchers envisage that a warmer climate may lead to rising temperatures in the sea surrounding Greenland. If this happens, the result may be that the populations of cod and more heat-demanding species such as redfish, halibut and herring will grow, while the populations of, for instance, shrimps will decline. A shift to pursuing new species will have far-reaching consequences for both ship owners and crews, and for all functions involved – e.g. suppliers, service companies, factories, management, advisory functions and fisheries control.

Most probably commercial hunters will be affected as well. Some of the traditional species pursued are likely to disappear or decrease in numbers with the changing climate. These are primarily the species adapted to the ice – polar bears, seals and some species of whales. In contrast, other species will spread northwards and thus constitute the future animals of prey.

The warmer climate of the future will most likely improve the possibilities of farming in a larger part of Greenland than today. The growth season of the plants will be prolonged, and the increased temperatures will allow growing of more heat-demanding crops. Also, more food will be available to the sheep.

Aspects of society
The consequences of climate changes will also be reflected in other ways. Less sea ice in the Arctic and a shorter duration of the ice cover will allow access by sea to towns and townships for a larger part of the year. Moreover, energy consumption will most likely decline due to the higher temperatures, which will benefit both society and individuals.

Climate researchers predict that precipitation will increase, that storms will be more frequent and that sea levels will rise. Therefore, the climate of the future must be considered when constructing new buildings or restoring existing ones. Furthermore, the higher temperatures will lead to thaw of the permafrost, which may cause foundation damage to buildings, water pipes etc. currently founded on permafrost.

These are just a few examples of the consequences that a warmer climate may have for future Greenland. Climate change may affect many other areas. Exploration companies will be offered a better opportunity to explore the occurrence of oil in the sea around Greenland and it will be easier and cheaper to exploit resources on land. The tourism trade might need to sell new types of attractions to the tourists. However, the high season will last longer and improved transport conditions may increase the interest in visiting Greenland.

Cultural losses
Finally, the climate changes will most probably impact (the already ongoing) cultural development in Greenland. Modern equipment and boats are now common to all, and the traditional hunters’ culture is rapidly disappearing. Still fewer hunters use dog sleds for transport, and even fewer use the kayak for hunting purposes. Shorter periods with ice cover and less stable ice will precipitate this development. To this should be added the expectedly reduced populations of prey animals such as polar bears and ringed seal. The traditional knowledge of hunting, construction of kayaks and dog sled driving may rapidly disappear.