Deforestation in Greenland: Uncovering the Hidden Loss of Arctic Forests

Abstract

Deforestation in Greenland, though less documented than in tropical regions, represents a critical yet understudied aspect of Arctic environmental change. This paper explores the hidden loss of Arctic forests in Greenland, examining the extent of vegetation loss due to climate change, human activity, and natural disturbances. Through a situational analysis of Greenland’s unique ecological conditions and a review of existing literature, this study highlights the interconnectedness of deforestation with global warming, permafrost thaw, and shifting ecosystems. The discussion integrates the role of intergovernmental organizations and treaties, such as the Arctic Council and the Paris Agreement, in addressing these challenges. Recommendations are provided for enhanced monitoring, policy development, and international cooperation to mitigate forest loss in Greenland. This research underscores the urgent need to include Arctic deforestation in global climate and biodiversity agendas.

Introduction

The Arctic region, often perceived as a vast expanse of ice and tundra, is undergoing profound environmental transformations due to climate change. Greenland, the world’s largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, is at the forefront of these changes. While the image of Greenland is dominated by its immense ice sheet, covering approximately 80% of its landmass, the coastal regions host pockets of vegetation, including low-lying shrubs, mosses, and, in some areas, small Arctic forests or tree-like formations. These ecosystems, though limited in extent compared to tropical or boreal forests, play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and the cultural livelihoods of Indigenous communities.

Deforestation in Greenland is not characterized by the large-scale logging operations seen in Amazonian or Southeast Asian regions. Instead, it manifests as a subtle but significant loss of vegetation due to permafrost thawing, increased wildfire frequency, invasive species, and human-related activities such as mining and infrastructure development. Despite its importance, the phenomenon of Arctic forest loss remains under-researched and underrepresented in global deforestation narratives. This paper seeks to address this gap by uncovering the mechanisms driving vegetation loss in Greenland, assessing its implications for Arctic ecosystems, and exploring the role of international governance in mitigating these impacts.

The objectives of this study are threefold: first, to provide a situational analysis of deforestation in Greenland; second, to review existing literature on Arctic vegetation loss and its broader environmental impacts; and third, to discuss potential strategies and international frameworks for addressing this hidden crisis. By linking local ecological changes to global climate policies and intergovernmental efforts, this paper aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of deforestation in high-latitude regions.

Situational Analysis

Greenland’s environment is defined by its extreme conditions, with much of its interior covered by a massive ice sheet that has shaped global perceptions of the region as devoid of significant vegetation. However, the coastal areas, particularly in southern Greenland, support a range of plant life, including Arctic willow (Salix arctica), dwarf birch (Betula nana), and patches of low shrubs that constitute what can be referred to as Arctic forests. These ecosystems are adapted to short growing seasons, low temperatures, and limited precipitation, yet they are highly sensitive to environmental changes.

Climate change is the primary driver of vegetation loss in Greenland. Rising temperatures, which have increased at a rate nearly twice the global average in the Arctic, contribute to permafrost thawing. This process destabilizes soils, disrupts root systems, and alters water availability, leading to the degradation of shrublands and small forested areas. Additionally, the lengthening of the growing season, while potentially beneficial for some plant species, has introduced invasive species that outcompete native Arctic flora. Wildfires, historically rare in the Arctic, have also become more frequent due to drier conditions and lightning strikes, as evidenced by significant fire events in Greenland in recent years.

Human activities exacerbate these natural stressors. Greenland’s economy increasingly relies on mining for rare earth minerals and hydrocarbons, activities that often involve land clearing and infrastructure development in previously undisturbed areas. Tourism, while a smaller contributor, also impacts fragile ecosystems through trampling and waste generation. Furthermore, overgrazing by introduced species such as reindeer, combined with traditional hunting and gathering practices, places additional pressure on vegetation cover.

The loss of Arctic forests in Greenland has far-reaching implications. These ecosystems serve as carbon sinks, albeit on a smaller scale than tropical forests, and their degradation releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to further warming. Moreover, vegetation loss disrupts habitats for native species, including birds and small mammals, and undermines the cultural and subsistence practices of Greenland’s Indigenous Inuit population, who rely on the land for food and materials.

Literature Review

The study of deforestation in Greenland and the broader Arctic region is relatively nascent compared to research on tropical deforestation. However, a growing body of literature provides valuable insights into the causes, extent, and consequences of vegetation loss in high-latitude environments. Walker et al. (2006) highlight the phenomenon of Arctic greening, where warming temperatures lead to increased vegetation growth in some areas, but also note that this process is not uniform and often coincides with localized degradation due to permafrost thaw and soil erosion. Their research suggests that Greenland’s coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to such dual processes.

Myers-Smith et al. (2011) further elaborate on the role of shrub expansion in the Arctic, documenting how warming conditions favor certain species over others, leading to a shift in ecosystem composition. However, their study also warns of the negative feedback loops associated with vegetation loss in areas where thawing permafrost undermines plant stability. This is particularly relevant to Greenland, where permafrost covers significant portions of the ice-free land.

On the human-induced causes of deforestation, studies such as those by Nuttall (2017) emphasize the impact of extractive industries in Greenland. The pursuit of mineral resources, driven by global demand for rare earth elements critical for renewable energy technologies, has led to habitat destruction in areas previously untouched by industrial activity. Nuttall argues that while economic development is crucial for Greenland’s self-governance, it must be balanced with environmental protection to prevent irreversible damage to fragile ecosystems.

Regarding the broader implications of Arctic forest loss, research by Post et al. (2019) underscores the role of Arctic vegetation in global carbon cycles. They estimate that vegetation degradation in high-latitude regions contributes to a small but significant release of greenhouse gases, amplifying climate change. This finding aligns with reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which, in its 2025 assessments, note the accelerated warming in the Arctic and the diminishing capacity of natural carbon sinks due to deforestation and other land-use changes (IPCC, 2025).

International governance frameworks have also been explored in the context of Arctic environmental protection. Young (2016) discusses the role of the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum comprising Arctic states and Indigenous organizations, in addressing regional environmental issues. While the Council has facilitated scientific cooperation and policy dialogue, its recommendations are non-binding, limiting its effectiveness in curbing deforestation directly linked to national economic interests. Similarly, the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) commits signatories to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but lacks specific provisions for Arctic ecosystems (UNFCCC, 2015).

Discussion

The loss of Arctic forests in Greenland, though less visible than tropical deforestation, is a multifaceted issue with local and global ramifications. At the local level, vegetation degradation threatens biodiversity and the livelihoods of Indigenous communities. The Inuit, who constitute the majority of Greenland’s population, rely on coastal ecosystems for hunting, fishing, and gathering plants for traditional medicine. The loss of these resources due to permafrost thaw, wildfires, and industrial activity jeopardizes cultural practices and food security.

At the global level, the degradation of Arctic vegetation contributes to climate change through the release of stored carbon and the reduction of carbon sequestration capacity. While the scale of carbon emissions from Greenland’s forests is smaller compared to tropical regions, the Arctic’s role as a climate “tipping point” amplifies the significance of these losses. As permafrost thaws, it releases methane—a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide—further accelerating global warming. This feedback loop underscores the interconnectedness of Arctic deforestation with planetary climate systems.

Intergovernmental organizations and treaties play a critical role in addressing these challenges, yet their current frameworks are inadequately tailored to Arctic-specific issues. The Arctic Council, established to promote cooperation among Arctic nations, has facilitated important research through initiatives like the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program. However, its lack of enforcement mechanisms limits its ability to mandate protective measures against deforestation caused by mining or infrastructure development. Moreover, Greenland’s complex political status as an autonomous territory of Denmark adds layers of governance challenges, as local policies must align with both national and international priorities.

The Paris Agreement, a cornerstone of global climate policy, emphasizes the importance of protecting carbon sinks such as forests under its provisions for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). While REDD+ primarily focuses on tropical forests, expanding its scope to include Arctic vegetation could provide a framework for funding conservation efforts in Greenland. Additionally, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which aims to protect global biodiversity, could serve as a platform for advocating the inclusion of Arctic ecosystems in international conservation agendas.

Recent studies, such as those highlighted by the World Resources Institute (2025), indicate a global increase in forest loss due to fires and human activity, with indirect implications for Arctic regions where warming exacerbates fire risks. These findings call for a reevaluation of how deforestation is monitored and addressed in high-latitude environments, integrating satellite imagery, ground-based surveys, and Indigenous knowledge to create a comprehensive understanding of vegetation dynamics in Greenland.

Recommendations

Addressing deforestation in Greenland requires a multi-pronged approach that combines local action with international cooperation. The following recommendations are proposed to mitigate the loss of Arctic forests and integrate this issue into broader environmental frameworks:

1. Enhanced Monitoring and Research: Develop a dedicated monitoring system for Greenland’s vegetation using remote sensing technologies and on-the-ground assessments. Collaboration between local communities, scientists, and international bodies like the Arctic Council can ensure accurate data collection and the integration of Indigenous knowledge.
2. Policy Development: Greenland’s government, in partnership with Denmark, should establish stricter regulations on land use, particularly in areas targeted for mining and infrastructure projects. Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) must be mandatory and include projections for vegetation loss and carbon emissions.
3. International Cooperation: Advocate for the inclusion of Arctic deforestation in global treaties such as the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Expanding initiatives like REDD+ to cover Arctic ecosystems could provide financial incentives for conservation.
4. Community Engagement: Empower Indigenous communities by involving them in conservation planning and sustainable land management practices. Programs that support traditional livelihoods while protecting vegetation should be prioritized.
5. Climate Adaptation Strategies: Invest in strategies to mitigate the impacts of permafrost thaw and wildfire risks, such as re-vegetation projects with native species and the creation of firebreaks in vulnerable areas.

These recommendations aim to bridge the gap between local ecological challenges and global environmental governance, ensuring that the hidden loss of Greenland’s Arctic forests receives the attention and resources it warrants.

Conclusion

Deforestation in Greenland, though overshadowed by more prominent tropical forest loss narratives, represents a critical dimension of Arctic environmental change. Driven by climate change, human activity, and natural disturbances, the degradation of vegetation in Greenland’s coastal regions has profound implications for biodiversity, carbon cycles, and Indigenous livelihoods. This paper has illuminated the mechanisms behind this hidden crisis, drawing on situational analysis and existing literature to underscore its significance.

The role of intergovernmental organizations and treaties, while essential, remains underutilized in addressing Arctic deforestation. Frameworks such as the Arctic Council, the Paris Agreement, and the Convention on Biological Diversity offer opportunities for integrating Greenland’s ecological challenges into global agendas, but their effectiveness hinges on tailored policies and enforcement mechanisms. Through enhanced monitoring, policy development, international cooperation, and community engagement, it is possible to mitigate the loss of Arctic forests and safeguard Greenland’s fragile ecosystems.

As the Arctic continues to warm at an unprecedented rate, the need for action becomes ever more urgent. Future research should focus on quantifying the extent of vegetation loss in Greenland, assessing its carbon impact, and developing adaptive strategies that balance economic development with environmental protection. By bringing attention to this overlooked issue, this study calls for a reimagining of deforestation narratives to include the Arctic, ensuring that no corner of the planet is left behind in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.

References

• IPCC. (2025). Climate Change 2025: Synthesis Report. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
• Myers-Smith, I. H., Forbes, B. C., Brigman, M., & Cahoon, S. (2011). Shrub expansion in tundra ecosystems: Dynamics, impacts and research priorities. Environmental Research Letters, 6(4), 045509.
• Nuttall, M. (2017). Climate, society and subsurface politics in Greenland: Under the great ice. Routledge.
• Post, E., Alley, R. B., Christensen, T. R., & Macias-Fauria, M. (2019). The polar regions in a 2°C warmer world. Science Advances, 5(12), eaaw9883.
• UNFCCC. (2015). Paris Agreement. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• Walker, D. A., Raynolds, M. K., Daniëls, F. J., & Einarsson, E. (2006). The circumpolar Arctic vegetation map. Journal of Vegetation Science, 17(3), 267-282.
• World Resources Institute. (2025). Fires drove record-breaking tropical forest loss in 2024. Retrieved from https://gfr.wri.org/latest-analysis-deforestation-trends.
• Young, O. R. (2016). Governing the Arctic: From cold war theater to mosaic of cooperation. Global Governance, 22(1), 43-61.