For subscribers

Greenland’s icebergs cannot quench the planet’s thirst

The Arctic island’s military significance is hard to deny, but it is not a resource hub.

The idea of towing icebergs from the poles to supply fresh water to arid countries has a long history, dating back at least to the 1950s.

PHOTO: CARSTEN SNEJBJERG/NYTIMES

David Fickling

Follow topic:

Is there no end to the madcap schemes that can attach themselves to Greenland?

Thanks to President

Donald Trump’s persistent interest in acquiring the Arctic island

for the US, people have spent the past few weeks talking up all manner of dubious reasons why its icy wastes may conceal a veritable gold mine of resources – from rare earths and oil to a literal gold mine.

Greenland’s icebergs cannot quench the planet’s thirst

Follow topic:

See more on