Rescue crews in Norway are engaged in a desperate search for Alec Luhn, a climate journalist from the United States who disappeared while hiking on a glacier in Folgefonna National Park. Luhn, who has contributed to major news organizations like the BBC, set off on his hike from Odda on July 31, though he failed to catch his return flight on Monday, raising concerns from his wife, Veronika Silchenko, who subsequently alerted the authorities.
Efforts are hampered by adverse weather conditions, with officials citing that poor visibility is preventing helicopters from conducting air patrols. According to reports, search teams are now employing dogs and drones to assist them in locating Luhn. Ingeborg Thorsland, a representative from the Norwegian Red Cross, confirmed that ground teams are actively engaged in the search.
Silchenko expressed confidence in her husband's outdoor skills, stating that he is experienced and has tackled camping in challenging weather before. She described Luhn's profound passion for the Arctic, noting his attempts to document rapidly melting glaciers as part of his work as a climate journalist. “Alec is basically obsessed with the Arctic," she told CBS News. "He loves glaciers and snow, and he loves explorers.”
Luhn, aged 38, is based in London but has also lived in cities such as Moscow and Istanbul. He has a diverse portfolio, having written for esteemed publications including The Atlantic, National Geographic, The New York Times, Scientific American, Time magazine, and CBS. Notably, he reported on the phenomenon of "zombie" fires in Canada last year, which burn year-round and are thought to be increasing in prevalence.
Efforts are hampered by adverse weather conditions, with officials citing that poor visibility is preventing helicopters from conducting air patrols. According to reports, search teams are now employing dogs and drones to assist them in locating Luhn. Ingeborg Thorsland, a representative from the Norwegian Red Cross, confirmed that ground teams are actively engaged in the search.
Silchenko expressed confidence in her husband's outdoor skills, stating that he is experienced and has tackled camping in challenging weather before. She described Luhn's profound passion for the Arctic, noting his attempts to document rapidly melting glaciers as part of his work as a climate journalist. “Alec is basically obsessed with the Arctic," she told CBS News. "He loves glaciers and snow, and he loves explorers.”
Luhn, aged 38, is based in London but has also lived in cities such as Moscow and Istanbul. He has a diverse portfolio, having written for esteemed publications including The Atlantic, National Geographic, The New York Times, Scientific American, Time magazine, and CBS. Notably, he reported on the phenomenon of "zombie" fires in Canada last year, which burn year-round and are thought to be increasing in prevalence.
