Alec Luhn, an award-winning American climate journalist, has been missing since he embarked on a hiking trip in western Norway last Thursday. Luhn began his hike in the Folgefonna region of Ullensvang, an area known for its glaciers and challenging weather conditions. Norwegian police believe he is still alive, according to local reports.
The search for Luhn was initiated after he failed to attend a scheduled meeting at Bergen Airport on Monday, where he was supposed to catch a flight to England. His last known communication was on Thursday, the day he started his hike. Luhn is described by police as an experienced and well-equipped outdoorsman.
Search and rescue teams, including the Red Cross and local rescue dogs, quickly mobilized after his family reported him missing. Helicopters were deployed to search the mountainous terrain, but operations were temporarily halted due to darkness and hazardous conditions. The search resumed the following morning.
Luhn's disappearance has garnered significant attention due to his prominence in climate journalism. Over the past decade, he has reported from various high-risk regions, including the Arctic and Siberia, contributing to major news outlets. His work has focused on the impacts of climate change, including wildfires, droughts, and melting glaciers.
Luhn graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2010 and has worked for several notable publications, including The Atlantic, The Guardian, and National Geographic. He is currently based in London and serves as a fellow at the Ocean Reporting Network at the Pulitzer Center.
His wife, Veronika Silchenko, expressed concern after he did not return as expected. She noted that Luhn had shared a photo from his last known location in Odda, which was the last communication she received from him. Silchenko described her husband as passionate about the Arctic and glaciers, stating, "Alec is basically obsessed with the Arctic. He loves glaciers and snow."
As the search continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about Luhn's whereabouts to come forward. Rescue teams are working diligently to cover more ground in the difficult terrain around Folgefonna.