Consider This from NPR: On the Road in Greenland, North of the Arctic Circle

Release Date: March 22, 2025

Introduction

In the March 22, 2025 episode of NPR's Consider This, hosts Juana Summers and Scott Detrow embark on an immersive reporting trip to Greenland, venturing north of the Arctic Circle to the scenic town of Ilulissat. The episode delves into the intersection of climate change, economic development, and local identity, moving beyond the headlines dominated by political ambitions such as President Donald Trump's territorial claims.

Journey to Ilulissat

Juana Summers and Scott Detrow recount their challenging journey to Ilulissat, a picturesque town renowned for its icebergs and vibrant tourist activities. The absence of roads connecting major Greenlandic towns necessitates reliance on small flights operated by Air Greenland. The team faced relentless weather disruptions, encapsulated by the Greenlandic term "sela", which refers to uncontrollable weather that one must adapt to.

Scott Detrow [00:04]: "There's this word that a woman that we met in Greenland told us. It's called sela, which means weather. But it also means, like, you can't control the weather. You just have to adapt around it."

Their determination was tested over several days of high winds and icy runways. Multiple flight diversions led them to unexpected locations, including Assiat Airport. Persistence paid off when, after numerous delays, an announcement in Greenlandic or Danish signaled their successful arrival in Ilulissat.

Scott Detrow [01:47]: "It is very clear that they don't want to be taken over. I think someone told us at one point, we don't want another colonizer."

Upon finally reaching Ilulissat, the team was captivated by its stunning landscapes, colorful houses, and the ever-present sound of sled dogs howling—a quintessential Greenlandic experience.

Scott Detrow [01:50]: "It's one of the most stunning places I've ever visited. It's a sort of scenic, beautiful tourist town... you can just hear the sled dogs howling all the time."

Climate Change Impacts

The episode highlights the tangible effects of climate change on Greenland's traditional livelihoods. Scott Detrow narrates an excursion with Stella, a local dog sled musher, emphasizing the declining snowfall:

Scott Detrow [04:18]: "We don't have a lot of snow right now. It's actually pretty hot here. And when we don't have as much snow, it's harder for the dogs to pull."

Reduced snowfall not only hampers dog sledding but also affects broader aspects of daily life and the local economy, which heavily depends on tourism. Jan Kortzen, a boat operator, expresses concerns over the sustainability of tourism amid changing climatic conditions and the need for local investment in infrastructure to retain economic benefits.

Political Ambitions and Local Opinions

A significant portion of the episode addresses the political tension surrounding President Trump's proposal to acquire Greenland. Despite international attention, the overwhelmingly negative sentiment among Greenlanders is evident.

Scott Detrow [08:18]: "Just 6% of Greenlanders said that they wanted their island to become part of the United States."

This sentiment is reinforced by statements from both Greenland's and Denmark's prime ministers, emphasizing Greenland's desire to remain autonomous and resist becoming a U.S. territory.

However, the episode also features a nuanced perspective from Jorgen Bosan, a Trump supporter who advocates for a free association agreement rather than outright acquisition. This stance seeks economic and military support from the U.S. without relinquishing Greenland's sovereignty.

Scott Detrow [09:44]: "He wants to see Greenland enter what's called a free association agreement with the United States... but he did not say that he wants to be American."

The team observes a palpable fatigue among locals toward international journalists, which made securing interviews challenging. Nonetheless, the steadfast opposition to colonialism and foreign acquisition remains a unifying theme among the populace.

Cultural Encounters and Community Life

Beyond the political landscape, Consider This explores Greenlandic culture and daily life. The hosts immerse themselves in various cultural activities, such as:

• Dog Sledding: Experiencing firsthand the challenges posed by diminishing snow.

• Kayaking: Visiting a kayak club and witnessing the construction of traditional Greenlandic kayaks.

• Indigenous Cuisine: Engaging with an award-winning Greenlandic chef to understand the local food landscape.

These interactions aim to shed light on Greenland's rich heritage and the resilience of its people amid environmental and economic changes.

Scott Detrow [10:11]: "For me, what was most enriching was trying to open up those other parts of Greenland to a US Audience that really hasn't given this place and its people and its history like much consideration."

Conclusion

The episode of Consider This offers a comprehensive look at Greenland, portraying it as a land of stunning beauty grappling with significant challenges. Through the lens of climate change, economic dependence on tourism, and resistance to political overreach, Juana Summers and Scott Detrow provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of a region often overshadowed by geopolitical narratives. Their journey underscores the importance of respecting local sentiments and appreciating the intricate balance between tradition and modernity in Greenland's evolving landscape.

Produced by: Noah Caldwell and Matt Ozug
Edited by: Adam Rainey, Ashley Brown, and Courtney Dorning
Executive Producer: Sammy Yenigan