Global warming may be bad news for Greenland's polar bears, wolves, musk ox and whales, but it could mean new economic opportunities for the capitalist class. Satellite images taken over the past several decades show the dramatic disappearance of ice. A study just published by scientists with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research shows that this ice could lose a fifth of its mass in the future. The weakening ice is making the island's rich stores of raw materials accessible. Along with uranium, zinc, iron ore, copper and gold, Greenland's ancient rocks also harbour large quantities of those minerals known as "rare earth". "Rare earth minerals are used in the manufacture of mobile phones, laptop computers, flat screens, fuel cells, LED lights, motors for electric cars and in laser technology. They provide the basis for entire high tech industries." (Die Welt, 21 March) Global warming may lead to disaster for millions of workers but it it is just another "economic opportunity" for the owning class. RD
The Glasgow & Edinburgh Branches Blog. Towards a better understanding of the world, in order to change it.
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