Search Intensifies for Missing US Journalist in Norway's Treacherous Wilderness
Published 5 August 2025
Highlights
- US climate journalist Alec Luhn went missing during a solo hike in Norway's Folgefonna National Park on July 31.
- Rescue operations are hindered by severe weather, preventing helicopter patrols; drones and dogs are being used.
- Luhn, 38, is an experienced outdoorsman and climate journalist, known for his work with major outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian.
- His wife, Veronika Silchenko, has appealed for information and highlighted Luhn's passion for glaciers and the Arctic.
- The search continues despite challenging conditions, with safety of rescue teams being a priority.
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Rewritten Article
Search Intensifies for Missing US Journalist in Norway's Treacherous Wilderness
Rescue teams in Norway are intensifying efforts to locate Alec Luhn, a prominent US climate journalist, who disappeared while hiking in the remote Folgefonna National Park. Luhn, 38, embarked on a solo trek on July 31, departing from the town of Odda, but failed to return for his scheduled flight to the UK, prompting his wife, Veronika Silchenko, to alert authorities.
Challenging Weather Conditions
The search operation, involving a 30-strong volunteer team from the Red Cross, is being severely hampered by adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain. These conditions have grounded helicopters, forcing rescuers to rely on drones and search dogs. "Weather conditions started to get really bad around midnight," explained Tatjana Knappen from Vestland police, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety of rescue teams.
A Passionate Climate Journalist
Luhn, an experienced mountain walker and well-equipped for the hike, is renowned for his environmental journalism. His work has appeared in esteemed publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and National Geographic. His wife, Silchenko, described him as "obsessed with the Arctic," highlighting his dedication to exploring rapidly shrinking glaciers due to climate change.
Continued Search Efforts
Despite the challenging conditions, the search for Luhn continues, with authorities determined to find him. The Folgefonna National Park, known for its vast wilderness and treacherous terrain, presents significant challenges, particularly in poor weather. Police Chief Svein Buer emphasized the importance of balancing the search efforts with the safety of the rescue teams.
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Scenario Analysis
As the search for Alec Luhn continues, the outcome remains uncertain, with weather conditions playing a critical role in the rescue efforts. If the weather improves, aerial searches could resume, potentially increasing the chances of locating Luhn. This incident underscores the risks associated with solo hiking in remote areas, particularly in regions with unpredictable weather patterns. The situation also highlights the dedication of rescue teams who navigate these challenges to ensure the safety of both the missing individuals and their own members.
Rescue teams in Norway are intensifying efforts to locate Alec Luhn, a prominent US climate journalist, who disappeared while hiking in the remote Folgefonna National Park. Luhn, 38, embarked on a solo trek on July 31, departing from the town of Odda, but failed to return for his scheduled flight to the UK, prompting his wife, Veronika Silchenko, to alert authorities.
Challenging Weather Conditions
The search operation, involving a 30-strong volunteer team from the Red Cross, is being severely hampered by adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain. These conditions have grounded helicopters, forcing rescuers to rely on drones and search dogs. "Weather conditions started to get really bad around midnight," explained Tatjana Knappen from Vestland police, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety of rescue teams.
A Passionate Climate Journalist
Luhn, an experienced mountain walker and well-equipped for the hike, is renowned for his environmental journalism. His work has appeared in esteemed publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and National Geographic. His wife, Silchenko, described him as "obsessed with the Arctic," highlighting his dedication to exploring rapidly shrinking glaciers due to climate change.
Continued Search Efforts
Despite the challenging conditions, the search for Luhn continues, with authorities determined to find him. The Folgefonna National Park, known for its vast wilderness and treacherous terrain, presents significant challenges, particularly in poor weather. Police Chief Svein Buer emphasized the importance of balancing the search efforts with the safety of the rescue teams.
What this might mean
As the search for Alec Luhn continues, the outcome remains uncertain, with weather conditions playing a critical role in the rescue efforts. If the weather improves, aerial searches could resume, potentially increasing the chances of locating Luhn. This incident underscores the risks associated with solo hiking in remote areas, particularly in regions with unpredictable weather patterns. The situation also highlights the dedication of rescue teams who navigate these challenges to ensure the safety of both the missing individuals and their own members.
