TYB
Events Involving Hillary Clinton and Greenland (2009-2013)
During her tenure as Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013, Hillary Clinton had several notable engagements concerning Greenland, particularly relating to climate change and U.S. foreign policy in the Arctic region.
May 2011 Arctic Summit in Greenland
Key points from her visit included:
-
Clinton emphasized the increasing geopolitical significance of the Arctic due to climate change.
-
The summit included discussions on search-and-rescue coordination among Arctic states, reflecting the growing international importance of the area.
-
U.S. recognition of the Arctic Council's role in fostering cooperation among Arctic nations was reinforced.
Climate Change Diplomacy
Clinton's strategies often intertwined with climate change diplomacy, a core concern for Arctic regions, including Greenland. At various international conferences during her tenure, she advocated for:
-
Joint efforts among Arctic nations to address environmental challenges.
-
Increased funding and cooperative frameworks to mitigate the effects of climate change impacting Arctic communities and ecosystems.
These efforts underscored the broader U.S. policy under the Obama administration to prioritize the Arctic as a key area for international collaboration.
Ongoing Geopolitical Interests
Through her positions and actions, Clinton acknowledged that the U.S. role in Arctic affairs was not just about climate but also involved navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. Other countries, notably Russia and Canada, were rapidly advancing their interests in the Arctic, raising concerns about U.S. leadership and the need for renewed emphasis on treaties such as the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The geopolitical significance of Greenland continued to grow, driven by:
-
Resource exploration induced by climate change.
-
Increasing military and strategic interests among Arctic nations.
Hillary Clinton's Engagements with Greenland (2009-2013)
Hillary Clinton had a significant engagement with Greenland during her time as Secretary of State, specifically in relation to Arctic policies. Below are the key dates associated with her engagements:
May 11, 2011 Arrival in Nuuk, Greenland Clinton arrived for the Seventh Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council.
May 12, 2011 Attended Arctic Council Meeting This marked the first time a U.S. Secretary of State participated in an Arctic Council meeting. Key discussions included climate change and resource management.
Other Key Contexts of Engagement
2010 Arctic Ocean Conference (Oslo) - Clinton did not attend but sent representatives to discuss Arctic governance. Greenland was included in these dialogues.
Arctic Council Meetings (Various) While in office, Clinton participated in multiple Arctic Council initiatives where Greenland’s representatives were present. Discussions often included climate change, Arctic resources, and regional cooperation.
February 2013 Clinton held meetings related to Arctic policies with different nations, with Greenland's issues often discussed due to their relevance in U.S. Arctic strategy.
https://www.reuters.com/article/business/environment/hillary-clinton-lands-in-greenland-for-arctic-summit-idUSTRE74A4ZH/
https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/travels/secretary/clinton-hillary-rodham
https://www.kcrw.com/shows/to-the-point/stories/hillary-clinton-goes-to-greenland-to-discuss-the-arctic