Meteorologist Observes Climate Change Impact Across Norway's Arctic Islands

Meteorologist Trond Robertsen spent over two decades manually recording precipitation levels in the remote Norwegian Arctic, specifically on the Svalbard archipelago's Bjørnøya (Bear Island) and Hogen islands. His work, conducted under harsh conditions and involving six-month rotations by helicopter, provided critical data for weather forecasting in the sparsely observed northern region, closely monitored by local fishing communities. Since Robertsen's initial missions in the 1990s, he has observed significant climate change evidence firsthand, including reduced sea ice and declining polar bear populations, which are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss. The manual collection of precipitation data involves melting snow and ice during winter to measure accumulation, underscoring the demanding nature of Arctic meteorological work. These observations contribute valuable insights into climate shifts impacting the Arctic ecosystem and species survival. Robertsen's experiences highlight the vital role of on-site scientific monitoring in understanding and responding to climate change in extreme environments.