Biography & Early Wealth Journey

"It is a concern to witness the consequences and impacts from the climate changes in Greenland…But, generally speaking, climate changes overall have made exploration and mining in Greenland easier and more accessible."

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

California startup Kobold Metals is the corporate entity that counts Gates and Bezos as its investors, but they're not commenting publicly on their Greenland activities. Since the company and all the other mining companies doing work there presumably aren't doing it out of charity, the profit motive of mining in warming-exposed Greenland might be a public relations nightmare – even as it might also provide the materials needed for a greener and more energy-efficient future.

Primary Income Streams & Multi-Million Contracts

Mike Sfraga of the United States Arctic Research Commission tells CNN that mining in Greenland is likely to increase as the years go on, but that such efforts will need to be considerate of their impact on the environment:

"The government of Greenland supports the responsible, sustainable, and economically viable development of their natural resources to include mining of a broad range of minerals."

Right now, the work in Greenland is made up of soil samples and other scientific analysis. Actual mining is reportedly set to begin as early as next summer.