See the world's largest island before it changes forever
<p>Climate change is having a huge impact on Greenland. Pack your bags before it’s too late.</p>
<p><strong>How Greenland impacts the world’s climate</strong></p>
<p>Greenland is not just the world’s largest island. It is an important part of the global climate system and can impact every corner of the globe. More than 80% of the vast island is covered in ice, making it the world’s second largest ice mass (behind Antarctica). This ice sheet reflects so much sunlight back into the atmosphere that it moderates world temperatures in a process known as the albedo effect. Greenland’s strategic position in the North Atlantic Ocean means that its meltwater run off influences ocean temperatures and circulation. However, Greenland’s ice sheet is melting and the permafrost below the ground is thawing, both at an alarmingly rapid rate. This will have an effect on temperatures and ocean levels around the world.</p>
<p><strong>Why you need to go right now</strong></p>
<p>One of the world’s most remote and rugged regions, Greenland is only just emerging as a tourist destination. But as the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, the natural environment could be under threat so there’s no time to waste.</p>
<p><strong>What to see</strong></p>
<p>There are no real roads on the island, so the only way to get around is by boat or small plane. A cruise is a great option and more lines are adding Greenland to their itineraries.</p>
<p>Less than 60,000 people live on this vast island with around 17,000 of these in the capital, Nuuk. The old part of the city is a colourful jumble of colonial buildings set on a bustling harbour. Thousands of kilometres of fjords wind around the coastline, leading to tiny fishing villages or stunning vistas. Most of the island is inside the Arctic Circle, so it’s a prime spot for seeing the Northern Lights. Look out for polar bears, musk ox and reindeer in land, and humpback whales and walruses in the water. For active travellers, there’s hiking, mountain and ice climbing, cross country skiing and even scuba diving in the icy blue waters.</p>
