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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is traveling to Greenland on Wednesday for a three-day trip aimed at building trust and cooperation with Greenlandic officials at a time when the Trump administration is seeking control of the vast Arctic territory. Frederiksen announced plans for her visit after US Vice President JD Vance visited a US air base in Greenland last week and accused Denmark of underinvesting in the territory. Greenland is a mineral-rich, strategically critical island that is becoming more accessible because of climate change. Trump has said that the landmass is critical to US security. It's geographically part of North America, but is a semiautonomous territory belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark. Frederiksen is due to meet the incoming Greenlandic leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, after an election last month that produced a new government. She is also to meet with the future Naalakkersuisut, the Cabinet, in a visit due to last through Friday. “It has my deepest respect how the Greenlandic people and the Greenlandic politicians handle the great pressure that is on Greenland," she said in government statement announcing the visit. On the agenda are talks with Nielsen about cooperation between Greenland and Denmark. Nielsen has said in recent days that he welcomes the visit, and that Greenland would resist any US attempt to annex the territory. “We must listen when others talk about us. But we must not be shaken. President Trump says the United States is ‘getting Greenland.’ Let me make this clear: The US is not getting that. We don’t belong to anyone else. We decide our own future,” he wrote Sunday on Facebook. Houthis claim downing American drone amid US strikes “We must not act out of fear. We must respond with peace, dignity and unity. And it is through these values that we must clearly, clearly and calmly show the American president that Greenland is ours.” For years, the people of Greenland, with a population of about 57,000, have been working toward eventual independence from Denmark. The Trump administration's threats to take control of the island one way or the other, possibly even with military force, have angered many in Greenland and Denmark. The incoming government wants to take a slower approach on the question of eventual independence. The political group in Greenland most sympathetic to the US president, the Naleraq party that advocates a swift path toward independence, was excluded from coalition talks to form the next government. Peter Viggo Jakobsen, associate professor at the Danish Defense Academy, said last week that the Trump administration’s aspirations for Greenland could backfire and push the more mild parties closer to Denmark. He said that “Trump has scared most Greenlanders away from this idea about a close relationship to the United States because they don’t trust him.”

US Vice President JD Vance stated on Friday that Denmark has "underinvested" in Greenland’s security and insisted that Denmark alter its approach, as President Donald Trump continues to push for U.S. control over the Danish territory. These sharp remarks were made during Vance’s visit to U.S. troops stationed at Pituffik Space Base on the resource-rich and strategically significant island. Accompanied by his wife and other senior U.S. officials, Vance’s trip was ultimately scaled back following backlash from Greenlanders and Danes who had not been consulted about the initial itinerary. Vance arrives at US military base in Greenland following uproar over uninvited visit “Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not served the people of Greenland well,” Vance said. “You have underinvested in the people of Greenland and in the security framework of this remarkable, beautiful landmass filled with extraordinary individuals. That must change.” Vance asserted that the U.S. has “no option” but to take a prominent role in ensuring Greenland’s security, while also supporting the island’s movement towards independence from Denmark. “I believe they will ultimately align with the United States,” Vance stated. “We could make them significantly more secure. We could offer much stronger protection. And I think they would benefit economically as well.” However, reactions from Greenland’s parliament members and citizens suggest otherwise, as widespread outrage erupted over the Trump administration’s efforts to annex the Arctic island. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected Vance’s assertion that Denmark was failing in Arctic defense, emphasising that Denmark remains “a good and strong ally.” Upon arrival, Vance briefly addressed U.S. troops at the base and had lunch with them alongside his wife, reaffirming the Trump administration’s deep interest in “Arctic security.” His entourage—including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Utah Senator Mike Lee—also received briefings from military officials. The delegation landed at the remote base, located 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle, where temperatures were minus-3 degrees F (minus-19 degrees C). “It’s cold as s—- here. Nobody told me,” Vance remarked, eliciting laughter. The modified trip to Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, comes amid deteriorating U.S.-Denmark relations, despite Denmark’s longstanding status as a U.S. ally and NATO member. Trump has repeatedly proposed that the U.S. should assume control of Greenland in some capacity. During his concluding remarks, Vance emphasised that military intervention would not be necessary, advocating instead for an expanded American presence on the island. “Because we believe the people of Greenland are rational and reasonable, we anticipate that we’ll need to negotiate a deal—Trump-style—to ensure both the security of this territory and that of the United States,” Vance stated, while acknowledging Greenlanders’ right to determine their own future. In Washington, Trump reaffirmed on Friday that the U.S. “needs Greenland for international security.” Speaking to reporters shortly after Vance’s arrival, Trump pointed to growing Chinese and Russian interests in the Arctic, where melting ice has opened new maritime routes. “Greenland is crucial to global peace,” Trump declared. “I think Denmark understands this, and so does the European Union. And if they don’t, we will have to make it clear to them.” Following Vance’s speech, Frederiksen countered that Denmark is already strengthening its defense capabilities in the Arctic, including the deployment of new Arctic ships and long-range drones. JD Vance to visit Greenland with wife She also stressed that, as Greenland is part of NATO, protecting the Arctic is a collective responsibility. Referring to Denmark’s commitment to the U.S. in its war on terror, she criticised Vance’s remarks as “an unfair characterisation” of Denmark’s efforts. Denmark’s ambassador to the U.S., Jesper Møller Sørensen, expressed gratitude to Vance “for taking a closer look at Arctic security” and affirmed that both nations agree on the need for further measures. “Greenland & Denmark share a mutual interest in strengthening our already exceptionally close ties with our friend & ally,” Sørensen posted on social media. Ahead of Vance’s arrival, four out of the five political parties in Greenland’s newly elected parliament signed an agreement to form a broad-based coalition government. This alliance was formed in direct response to Trump’s ambitions regarding the territory. “We are facing a time when our population is under pressure,” prime minister-designate Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated before signing the agreement, which was met with applause and cheers in Nuuk. “We must remain united. Together, we are strongest,” Greenland’s broadcaster KNR reported. In an Instagram post, Frederiksen congratulated Nielsen and his incoming government, expressing her eagerness for close cooperation “in an unnecessarily conflict-filled time.” Frederiksen had earlier criticised the planned U.S. visit, initially scheduled to last three days, saying it placed “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland. While Denmark remains committed to working with the U.S. on security matters, she insisted that Greenland belongs to its people. Originally, Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, had planned a solo trip to Sisimiut to attend the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race. The vice president later announced that he would join her, but after protests from Greenland and Denmark, the itinerary was altered again to limit the visit to a single day at the military base. Residents of Nuuk, located approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) south of Pituffik, voiced concerns about Vance’s visit and the U.S. interest in their homeland. Cora Høy, 22, commented that while Vance was “welcome to visit,” Greenland was “not for sale.” She added, “It’s unusual for Greenland to receive this level of attention. Every day now seems to be about (Trump), and I just want a break from it.” “It’s all quite overwhelming. Naturally, the population is unsettled,” said 30-year-old Inuk Kristensen. “I share the same sentiment as everyone else: This is not the right way to handle things. You don’t just show up and announce you want to buy the place.” As a strategic gateway to the Arctic and the North Atlantic approaches to North America, Greenland holds significant geopolitical value, particularly as China and Russia seek access to its waterways and natural resources. “We must ensure that America leads in the Arctic, because if we don’t, other nations will take advantage of the gaps we leave behind,” Vance asserted.

The remote Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, which Vice President JD Vance is visiting on Friday, is the U.S. Department of Defense's northernmost installation. The base was built following a 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the United States. It supports missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance operations for the U.S. and NATO. The Pituffik base is located on the northwestern coast of Greenland, about 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) north of the the Arctic Circle and 1,524 kilometers (947 miles) south of the North Pole. It is about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) north of Greenland's capital, Nuuk. It was known as the Thule Air Base until 2023, when it was renamed to recognize Greenlandic cultural heritage and reflect its role in the relatively new U.S. Space Force. Myanmar and Thailand hit by major earthquakes The base is locked in by ice for nine months of the year, but its airfield remains open all year round. It is in constant darkness from November to February and constant daylight from May to August. It is operated by the 821st Space Base Group and is also home to the world's northernmost deepwater sea port. The nearest town is Qaanaaq, around 120 kilometers (75 miles) to the northwest.

US Vice President JD Vance announced he will join his wife on a trip to Greenland this Friday, hinting in a video posted on Tuesday that global security is at stake. “We’re going to check out how things are going there,” Vance stated in the video. “Speaking for President Trump, we want to reinvigorate the security of the people of Greenland because we think it’s important for the security of the entire world.” Usha Vance to visit Greenland amid Trump's US takeover talks President Donald Trump caused tension in Europe when he suggested the U.S. should have control over Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark rich in minerals. Greenland’s strategic value lies in its position as a gateway to the Arctic and North Atlantic, with both China and Russia seeking access to its waters and natural resources. The vice president’s decision to visit a U.S. military base in Greenland avoids the diplomatic issue of sending a delegation to another country without an official invitation. However, Vance has also been critical of long-time European allies for depending on U.S. military support, antagonising partners in ways that have raised concerns about America’s reliability. Before the vice president’s announcement, discontent had been growing in Greenland and Denmark. The Greenland government posted on Facebook Monday evening that it had “not extended any invitations for any visits, neither private nor official.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the situation “unacceptable pressure” during an interview on Tuesday. The office of second lady Usha Vance confirmed Sunday that she would travel to Greenland on Thursday and return on Saturday. Usha and one of their children had planned to explore Greenland’s historic sites and learn about its culture, but her husband’s involvement has shifted the focus of the trip to national security. Vance explained that he didn’t want his wife to “have all that fun by herself,” adding that he would visit a Space Force outpost on Greenland’s northwest coast. He noted that other countries have also posed threats to Greenland, the U.S., and Canada. Initially, Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, was listed as part of the U.S. delegation to Greenland, but his name was removed after it was revealed that he had mistakenly added a journalist to a secure messaging app conversation about a military strike in Yemen. JD Vance's family moved to undisclosed location amid backlash Vance stated that leaders in Denmark and North America had “ignored” Greenland for “far too long.” Instead of attending the Avannaata Qimussersu dogsled race in Sisimiut, which Usha Vance had planned to visit, the trip will now focus on a visit to Pituffik Space Base. However, Dwayne Ryan Menezes, founder of the Polar Research & Policy Initiative, warned that the Trump administration’s “intimidation” of Greenland could backfire. He argued that if Trump recognized Greenland’s strategic significance, he would understand that alienating allies undermines U.S. long-term interests. Despite growing objections from Greenland and Denmark, Vance is allowed to visit the space base under a 1951 agreement between the U.S. and Denmark regarding the defense of Greenland. Marc Jacobsen, a professor at the Royal Danish Defense College, pointed out that the controversy stems from the timing of the visit, especially since Greenland currently lacks a functioning government. During his first term, Trump proposed purchasing Greenland, which Denmark, a NATO ally, rejected, as did the people of Greenland. Trump’s return to the White House has been marked by his desire for territorial expansion, including efforts to make Canada the 51st U.S. state and to regain control of the Panama Canal. He has also suggested that U.S. interests could take over the war-torn Gaza Strip from Israel and turn it into a luxury.

Second Lady Usha Vance is set to visit Greenland as President Donald Trump advocates for the United States to take control of the self-governing, mineral-rich territory, which is a part of American ally Denmark. Vance will depart on Thursday and return on Saturday, as stated by her office. She and one of her three children will be part of a U.S. delegation visiting historic sites and learning about Greenlandic culture. South Korean court overturns PM Han's impeachment Reports from media in Greenland and Denmark indicate that Vance will be joined by Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz. Neither the White House nor the National Security Council have responded to requests for comment. During his first term, Trump expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, despite Denmark, a NATO ally, insisting it was not for sale. Greenland’s people also strongly opposed Trump’s idea. Vice President JD Vance stated on Sunday that Trump “doesn’t care” about European reactions. He claimed Denmark was failing in its responsibilities towards Greenland and not being a good ally. “If that means we need to take more territorial interest in Greenland, that’s what President Trump is going to do,” Vance said on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures. He added, “He doesn’t care about what the Europeans scream at us; he cares about putting the interests of American citizens first.” Since returning to the White House, Trump has repeatedly suggested the U.S. should control Greenland, citing national security concerns, though he insists his goal is not American expansionism. “I think we will have it,” Trump said about Greenland shortly after beginning his second term on January 20. The U.S. already maintains a military base there, and the president's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., visited it in January. During her trip, Usha Vance will attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled race, featuring around 37 mushers and 444 dogs. Her office stated that Vance and the U.S. delegation “are excited to witness this monumental race and celebrate Greenlandic culture and unity.” In a recent Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump commented that “Denmark’s very far away” from Greenland, questioning whether Denmark still had the right to claim the island as part of its kingdom. “A boat landed there 200 years ago or something. And they say they have rights to it,” Trump said. “I don’t know if that’s true. I don’t think it is, actually.” Greenland’s parliament issued a joint statement last week rejecting Trump’s remarks. Denmark has acknowledged Greenland’s right to independence whenever it chooses. US lifts bounties on senior Taliban officials, including Sirajuddin Haqqani In addition to his focus on Greenland, Trump has hinted at the possibility of military intervention in Panama to take control of the Panama Canal, suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, and proposed that U.S. interests might take control of the war-torn Gaza Strip from Israel to develop it into a resort area akin to the French Riviera.

US President-elect Donald Trump has made expansionist comments about extending American influence into Canada, Greenland (a Danish territory), and even the Panama Canal. His statements about potentially redrawing international borders, possibly through force, have sparked alarm in Europe, especially as they contradict the position that European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are trying to convey to Russian President Vladimir Putin, reports AP. Panama Canal administrator pushes back against Trump's assertions of Chinese meddling Despite the controversial nature of Trump's words, many European leaders have responded cautiously, knowing that his actions don't always align with his rhetoric. Some have taken a more relaxed stance rather than offering a strong defence of Denmark, an EU member state. Analysts, however, suggest that even words alone can have a damaging effect on U.S.-European relations as Trump enters his second presidency. In Europe, where countries rely on U.S. cooperation for trade, energy, defence, and security, many officials have expressed confidence that Trump has no intention of using force to annex territories. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said that the U.S. would not attempt to annex territories in the near future, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that borders should not be altered by force, though he did not mention Trump directly. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, urging continued support from the incoming administration, emphasized the need for countries to feel secure in their sovereignty, particularly as Russia's invasion of Ukraine threatens this principle. European foreign ministers from Britain and France also dismissed the notion of a U.S. invasion of Greenland, but French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot noted that Trump's comments served as a warning about the potential return of a "law of the strongest." Judge sentences Trump in hush money case but declines to impose punishment Greenland's prime minister, Múte B. Egede, stated that the island's citizens do not want to be part of the U.S., though they are open to increased cooperation. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated the strong alliance between Denmark and the U.S., emphasizing unity. Security experts, though confident that the U.S. would not attack Denmark, have voiced concerns about the long-term impact of Trump's rhetoric on trans-Atlantic relations, NATO, and international norms. Some analysts are particularly concerned about Trump's suggestion that Canada should join the U.S. as a state, which has caused friction between the two countries. Flemming Splidsboel Hansen, an expert on foreign policy and Russia, expressed worry about the weakening of NATO and the broader trans-Atlantic alliance, questioning what it might look like by the end of Trump's second term. Some diplomats and analysts suggest that Trump's focus on Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal is linked to securing valuable resources and waterways for the U.S., particularly in the face of competition with China, which dominates the global supply of rare earth minerals critical for technology. EU not to tolerate attacks within borders, France says amid Trump’s Greenland claim However, analysts caution that Trump's proposed methods are dangerous and could set a concerning precedent. Security expert Alexander Khara likened Trump's stance on Greenland to Putin's justification for Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, warning that the idea of flexible borders could lead to more conflict and instability in the future.

The European Union will not permit attacks on its sovereign territories, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot declared on Wednesday, following President-elect Donald Trump’s renewed insistence that the United States must bring Greenland under its control. Speaking in an interview with radio station France Inter, Barrot stressed the bloc’s commitment to defending its member states and territories, including Greenland, which is an autonomous Danish territory and an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT) associated with the EU. Trump Jr to visit Greenland after father’s interest in Danish territory “There is no question that the European Union would allow any nation in the world — and I would even emphasise, starting with Russia — to assault its sovereign borders,” Barrot said, as reported by CNBC. “We are a strong continent, and we must continue to strengthen ourselves.” Barrot dismissed the likelihood of a direct U.S. military invasion of Greenland but cautioned about the evolving global power dynamics. “If you’re asking me whether I think the United States will invade Greenland, the answer is no,” he explained. “But have we entered an era of survival of the fittest? The answer is yes.” Barrot’s remarks come ahead of a meeting between Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, and Denmark’s King Frederik in Copenhagen. While no official agenda has been released, the meeting coincides with updates to the royal coat of arms to include symbols representing Greenland, signalling a renewed emphasis on the territory’s ties with Denmark. Trump’s Greenland Pursuit Resurfaces The controversy reignited after Donald Trump, on his Truth Social platform last month, reiterated that acquiring Greenland was vital for U.S. national and economic security. The proposal, first floated during his presidency in 2019, was dismissed outright by both Denmark and Greenland at the time. Trump reignites proposal for US-Canada 'merger' Trump’s comments have drawn fresh criticism from European leaders and Greenlandic officials. Prime Minister Egede reaffirmed Greenland’s stance, stating unequivocally last month, “We are not for sale.” Despite this, Trump’s rhetoric has intensified, with threats of economic pressure to achieve his goal. Adding fuel to the controversy, Donald Trump Jr. arrived in Greenland on Tuesday for what has been described as an “unofficial visit.” EU Reaffirms Territorial Integrity Barrot’s strong response highlights the EU’s commitment to safeguarding its associated territories. Greenland, though not an EU member, maintains close ties with the bloc through Denmark. Its strategic position and abundant natural resources have long made it a focal point of geopolitical interest. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau resigns in the face of internal, external pressure As global leaders convene in Copenhagen, the EU’s position remains steadfast: any attempt to compromise the sovereignty of its territories will be met with firm resistance. Whether Trump’s renewed claims over Greenland will escalate into a broader diplomatic standoff remains to be seen. Source: With inputs from CNBC

Donald Trump Jr. is set to visit Greenland, just weeks after his father reiterated his belief that the United States should take control of the self-governing Danish territory. According to U.S. media reports, the president-elect's eldest son plans a private, one-day trip to record video content for a podcast. The visit follows Donald Trump’s controversial statement in December, where he asserted that "ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity" for U.S. national security. Trump has long shown interest in acquiring Greenland, dating back to his first term as president. However, the idea was firmly rejected by Greenland's leadership. Trump reignites proposal for US-Canada 'merger' "We are not for sale, and we will not be for sale," Prime Minister Mute Egede declared in December. "Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland." President-elect Trump confirmed his son's planned trip on Monday via his Truth Social platform. He stated that Donald Jr. and other "representatives" would explore Greenland’s "magnificent areas and sights," adding that Greenland and its people would "benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our nation." "We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside world," Trump said, concluding with his slogan, "Make Greenland great again!" His post included a video of a man wearing a red "Make America Great Again" hat, urging Trump to purchase Greenland and "free it" from Danish colonial rule. The individual’s identity remains unknown. Greenland holds strategic significance due to its location along the shortest route between North America and Europe, as well as its role as home to a major U.S. space facility. Despite this, the Danish Foreign Ministry clarified that Donald Trump Jr.'s visit would not be an official U.S. delegation trip. "As it is not an official American visit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark has no further comment," the ministry told BBC News. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau resigns in the face of internal, external pressure Meanwhile, Denmark announced a significant increase in defense spending for Greenland shortly after Trump’s remarks. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen called the timing an "irony of fate." Additionally, Denmark’s King Frederik X updated the royal coat of arms to highlight Greenland and the Faroe Islands more prominently, a move seen by some as a response to Trump’s statements. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede used his New Year’s speech to advocate for the island's independence, declaring the need to "break free from the shackles of colonialism." In contrast, King Frederik emphasized the unity of the Danish Kingdom, stating, "We belong together." This is not the first time a U.S. president has shown interest in acquiring Greenland. The idea dates back to President Andrew Johnson in the 1860s. In another recent development, Trump has suggested reasserting U.S. control over the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of overcharging for its use. The Panamanian president responded firmly, stating that "every square meter" of the canal belongs to Panama.

Denmark and Greenland must address the negative impact of a colonial legacy that has led to structural and systemic racial discrimination against the indigenous Inuit community, an independent expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council said Friday. The development would represent a key measure to tackle past injustices and create a more inclusive society, said UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples José Francisco Cali Tzay said at the end of a 10-day visit to the two countries. Inuit people comprise nearly 90 percent of the population of Greenland, an autonomous dependent territory of Denmark that was a colony up until 1953. They still face barriers to fully enjoying their human rights, according to Cali Tzay. "I was particularly appalled by the testimonies of Inuit women who reported that Danish healthcare providers had inserted intrauterine devices (IUDs) without their knowledge or consent. Some of them were as young as 12 years old," he said. Cali Tzay recalled reports of Inuit women living in Denmark whose children had been taken from them without their knowledge and consent and placed in Danish foster care. Read: More aid reaches Syria's quake victims but it's not enough: UN He urged Denmark to review its procedures for assessing out-of-home care for Inuit children and address structural bias within care services. Meanwhile, Greenland still faces numerous social challenges that relate to poverty and lack of adequate housing, appropriate quality education and scarce mental health support, he added.  "Around 20 percent of children in Greenland are estimated to have been exposed to violence and sexual abuse," he said, adding that the country has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. During his mission, the special rapporteur observed a lack of established mechanisms to implement the Inuit people's right to free, prior, and informed consent, including when allocating tourism concessions, implementing business projects, and adopting legislative and administrative acts in Greenland. "I urge Greenland's government to consult with the Inuit people whose traditional livelihoods will be directly affected by plans to expand mining, tourism and infrastructure," the UN expert said. He also hailed Greenland's extensive self-governance as "an inspiring example of an indigenous self-government in practice and a peaceful process towards self-determination for Indigenous peoples worldwide."

Scientists discovered the oldest known DNA and used it to reveal what life was like 2 million years ago in the northern tip of Greenland. Today, it’s a barren Arctic desert, but back then it was a lush landscape of trees and vegetation with an array of animals, even the now extinct mastodon. “The study opens the door into a past that has basically been lost,” said lead author Kurt Kjær, a geologist and glacier expert at the University of Copenhagen. With animal fossils hard to come by, the researchers extracted environmental DNA, also known as eDNA, from soil samples. This is the genetic material that organisms shed into their surroundings — for example, through hair, waste, spit or decomposing carcasses. Studying really old DNA can be a challenge because the genetic material breaks down over time, leaving scientists with only tiny fragments. But with the latest technology, researchers were able to get genetic information out of the small, damaged bits of DNA, explained senior author Eske Willerslev, a geneticist at the University of Cambridge. In their study, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, they compared the DNA to that of different species, looking for matches. The samples came from a sediment deposit called the Kap København formation in Peary Land. Today, the area is a polar desert, Kjær said. But millions of years ago, this region was undergoing a period of intense climate change that sent temperatures up, Willerslev said. Sediment likely built up for tens of thousands of years at the site before the climate cooled and cemented the finds into permafrost. Read more: Section of destroyed shuttle Challenger found on ocean floor The cold environment would help preserve the delicate bits of DNA — until scientists came along and drilled the samples out, beginning in 2006. During the region's warm period, when average temperatures were 20 to 34 degrees Fahrenheit (11 to 19 degrees Celsius) higher than today, the area was filled with an unusual array of plant and animal life, the researchers reported. The DNA fragments suggest a mix of Arctic plants, like birch trees and willow shrubs, with ones that usually prefer warmer climates, like firs and cedars. The DNA also showed traces of animals including geese, hares, reindeer and lemmings. Previously, a dung beetle and some hare remains had been the only signs of animal life at the site, Willerslev said. One big surprise was finding DNA from the mastodon, an extinct species that looks like a mix between an elephant and a mammoth, Kjær said. Many mastodon fossils have previously been found from temperate forests in North America. That’s an ocean away from Greenland, and much farther south, Willerslev said. “I wouldn’t have, in a million years, expected to find mastodons in northern Greenland,” said Love Dalen, a researcher in evolutionary genomics at Stockholm University who was not involved in the study. Because the sediment built up in the mouth of a fjord, researchers were also able to get clues about marine life from this time period. The DNA suggests horseshoe crabs and green algae lived in the area — meaning the nearby waters were likely much warmer back then, Kjær said. By pulling dozens of species out of just a few sediment samples, the study highlights some of eDNA’s advantages, said Benjamin Vernot, an ancient DNA researcher at Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology who was not involved in the study. “You really get a broader picture of the ecosystem at a particular time,” Vernot said. “You don’t have to go and find this piece of wood to study this plant, and this bone to study this mammoth.” Based on the data available, it’s hard to say for sure whether these species truly lived side by side, or if the DNA was mixed together from different parts of the landscape, said Laura Epp, an eDNA expert at Germany’s University of Konstanz who was not involved in the study. But Epp said this kind of DNA research is valuable to show “hidden diversity” in ancient landscapes. Read more: Zombie ice from Greenland will raise sea level 10 inches Willerslev believes that because these plants and animals survived during a time of dramatic climate change, their DNA could offer a “genetic roadmap” to help us adapt to current warming. Stockholm University's Dalen expects ancient DNA research to keep pushing deeper into the past. He worked on the study that previously held the “oldest DNA” record, from a mammoth tooth around a million years old. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you can go at least one or perhaps a few million years further back, assuming you can find the right samples,” Dalen said.