Tromsø – In the cold of the Norwegian Arctic, meteorologist Trond Robertsen took a final manual measurement of precipitation levels in April on Bear Island, where he witnessed climate change firsthand. At 66 years old, Mr. Robertsen has retired after living under Spartan conditions during missions totaling eight years on two islands in the Svalbard archipelago: Bjørnøya (Bear Island) and Hopen. The only way to reach Bear Island is by helicopter, where only nine employees staff the small weather station, rotating every six months.
“The idea is not to stay there long. It’s a tough routine to maintain over time, with a form of isolation,” the Norwegian in his sixties told AFP.
The work pace is demanding: “It’s a 24/7 activity. We work day and night,” says Trond Robertsen. The team works in shifts to cover all time slots.
Weather observations begin at 6 a.m.
“It’s done manually — you have to go outside and check the bucket that collects the precipitation,” explains the weather observer.
Source: lopinion
