Search Intensifies for Missing US Climate Journalist Alec Luhn in Norway

Alec Luhn, a 38-year-old climate journalist, has been missing in Norway since July 31 after failing to return from a hiking trip. Rescue operations are hindered by adverse weather, and his family is concerned about his well-being as search efforts continue.

Rescue crews in Norway are actively searching for Alec Luhn, a U.S. climate journalist who went missing while hiking on a glacier in Folgefonna National Park. Luhn, an experienced outdoor enthusiast, started his hike from the town of Odda on July 31. His wife, Veronika Silchenko, reported his absence after he failed to arrive for his flight home on Monday, prompting her to alert authorities.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, but officials have stated that poor weather conditions are complicating operations, preventing helicopter patrols. Meanwhile, rescue teams are utilizing dogs and drones in their search efforts, according to a report from the New York Times featuring statements from Ingeborg Thorsland, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Red Cross.

Silchenko described her husband as deeply passionate about the Arctic and glaciers. "Alec is basically obsessed with the Arctic," she told CBS News, mentioning his love for snow and exploration. As a climate journalist, Luhn aims to document glaciers that are rapidly diminishing due to climate change.

At 38 years old and currently based in London, Luhn has previously lived in Moscow and Istanbul. His extensive reporting experience includes contributions to several major publications such as The Atlantic, National Geographic, The New York Times, Scientific American, Time magazine, and CBS. In 2022, he wrote for the BBC about Canada's "zombie" fires, which burn throughout the year and are believed to be increasing in frequency.