Objective
Students will examine the real-world risks faced by climate journalists, explore the blend of adventure and investigation in the field, and critically analyze Alec Luhn’s reporting to understand modern journalism’s impact on public awareness about climate and conflict.
An American hiker who hadn’t been heard from for six days during a solo backpacking trip on a glacier in Norway has been found, the local Red Cross said Wednesday.Alec Luhn, 38, a journalist from Wisconsin, didn’t make contact with his wife, Veronika, on Monday when he was due to finish a hike in Folgefonna National Park, in the country’s southwest. NBC News
Materials Needed
- Article: “Missing journalist Alec Luhn found in Norway“ (The Guardian)
- Selected Alec Luhn articles (see list below)
- Map of Folgefonna National Park, Norway
- Access to reporting from The Guardian, Scientific American, and Luhn’s personal website
Lesson Structure
1. Introduction & Hook
- Begin with a discussion: “What risks do journalists take in the field, especially on environmental stories?”
- Present the case: Alec Luhn, an award-winning climate journalist, went missing for nearly a week during a solo hike in Folgefonna National Park, Norway, and was found injured but alive.
- Show photos of the park and related news headlines.
2. Explore the Main Article
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Read and analyze excerpts from The Guardian article on Alec Luhn’s disappearance and rescue.
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Discussion questions:
- What safety precautions do journalists take, and why are some stories especially risky?
- How does Alec’s personal background and expertise influence the risks he is willing to take?
3. Meet the Journalist: Alec Luhn
- Short bio: Alec Luhn has reported on climate, conflict, and migration worldwide, with work in The Atlantic, The Guardian, National Geographic, and more.
- Compare the role of a foreign correspondent in conflict zones with environmental assignments.
- Create a career timeline highlighting major events, from his Moscow-based reporting to his current climate focus.
4. Reading Alec Luhn’s Work
Assign each group a different article by Alec Luhn to read and present:
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“Out of Thin Air” (Scientific American) – carbon capture technology
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“Rusting Rivers” (Scientific American) – industrial pollution impacts
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“Arctic permafrost is now a net source of major greenhouse gases” (New Scientist)
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Field dispatches from Luhn’s personal website on Arctic/Antarctic/climate topics
Each group should:
- Summarize the key points.
- Identify the risks (physical, political, or personal) that may have been involved in reporting.
- Analyze the article’s structure and effectiveness.
5. The Big Picture: Why Take These Risks?
Hold a whole-class discussion on why journalists like Luhn pursue dangerous assignments.
- Highlight the combination of personal passion, the public’s need for accurate climate information, and a sense of responsibility.
- Hold a debate on: “Is it worth it?” Consider Luhn’s impact and the public response to his disappearance and rescue.
Watch the video below and write a short summary of this story
6. Reflection and Extension
- Written reflection: “If you had the skills, would you be willing to take similar risks for a story? Why or why not?”
- Extension: Research another climate or conflict journalist who works in dangerous situations. Identify their motivations and the influence of their work.
Suggested Alec Luhn Articles for Group Analysis
Lesson Angle
The Edge of the World: The Perils and Passion of Climate Journalism
Use Alec Luhn’s story as a springboard to discuss the human stakes and societal value of high-risk journalism — exploring why reporters travel to dangerous and remote places, and what society gains from their efforts.
Assessment
- Contribution to group reading and discussion
- Short written reflection on journalism, risk, and public knowledge
- (Optional) Group project on another journalist covering high-risk topics, with a focus on ethics and safety