As Americans prepare for President Trump's second term, they don't seem to be paying much attention to the prices of things like eggs, gas and housing in places like Greenland, Canada and the Panama Canal.
To many of us, it seems absurd that President-elect Donald Trump would even bring up the idea of taking back the canal. use military force to occupy Greenland Or make Canada the “51st province.”
But what isn't insane to most Americans is climate change. President Trump seems less keen on fighting climate change and more keen on exploiting it.
As temperatures rise and water becomes scarce, the need for fresh water increases. Which two places do you think are rich in fresh water? Yes— greenland and Canada. If we're careful, the American Southwest is in danger water runs out. As temperatures rise, water shortages start from California texas.
And, you know, it's not just the United States. Access to fresh water has always been one of the key indicators of whether a society thrives or fails. From the ancient Indus Valley Civilization to the present day, entire societies can collapse if water is not available. The most obvious reason is that where there is no water, there is no food. of world food production Already at risk due to water shortages.
There will be competition for freshwater, but President Trump is already considering securing both Greenland and Canada before anyone (including Greenland and Canada) has a say. in canada face mounting pressure To export water from other countries. President Trump does not want to compete with other countries as much as he can.
In terms of competition, climate change also presents new opportunities for President Trump. While most of us fear melting polar ice, many see it as a way to make money through the opening of new sea routes. For centuries, explorers, traders, militaries, and governments have explored new ways to transport cargo through northern Canada. That was virtually impossible, but climate change could well open up more trade routes in the north. Trump wants to control those lanes.
This would give the Panama Canal and the United States complete control over a quarter of the world's hemisphere when it comes to shipping. Not only would this give the United States a huge economic advantage, but it would also give Trump (and future presidents) incredible leverage over China and the European Union.
But at what cost? Adapting to climate change is something we all have to agree on. There appears to be no hope that the US, EU, China, or India will actually limit economic output to reduce climate change. As a result, the world will face higher temperatures, more catastrophic weather, and higher risks to the population as a whole. But there is money to be made. If there's one thing humans are good at, it's not solving problems, but making money from them.
That is the position of the next government. President Trump will wax poetic about the military importance of Greenland, and he may be right, but he will also talk about how managing the Panama Canal will keep us safe. . But we shouldn't be under any illusions that President Trump isn't trying to make money from climate change, either, even if it means changing the world map.
Jos Joseph is a master's candidate at the Harvard Extension School at Harvard University. He is a veteran of Iraq and lives in Anaheim, California.
