Rescue crews are actively searching for US climate journalist Alec Luhn, who has been missing since embarking on a glacier hike in Folgefonna National Park, Norway. According to his wife, Veronika Silchenko, Luhn began his hike from Odda on July 31, but failed to return in time for his scheduled flight home on Monday, prompting her to alert the authorities.
The search operation continues despite challenging weather conditions that have hindered aerial searches by helicopters. Rescue teams are deploying dogs and drones to locate Luhn, as reported by the New York Times, with Ingeborg Thorsland from the Norwegian Red Cross providing updates on the ongoing efforts.
Ms. Silchenko described her husband as an adept outdoorsman and noted his passion for the Arctic environment. “Alec is basically obsessed with the Arctic,” she told CBS News, emphasizing his dedication to witnessing glaciers that are rapidly retreating due to climate change. “He loves glaciers and snow, and he loves explorers,” she added.
At 38, Luhn is currently based in London but has previously lived in Moscow and Istanbul. Over his career, he has contributed to numerous reputable publications, including The Atlantic, National Geographic, and The New York Times. He has written extensively on climate-related issues, including a piece for the BBC about the increasing prevalence of “zombie” fires in Canada, which burn continuously throughout the year.
As the hours pass, the search for Alec Luhn underscores the challenges faced by those pursuing their passions in the wild, especially amidst the growing impacts of climate change on fragile ecosystems.
