Archaeologists studying the remains of 17th- and 18th-century whalers buried on Svalbard have uncovered stark evidence of the grueling conditions these laborers endured. Excavations at Likneset, also known as 'Corpse Point,' revealed skeletons marked by degenerative joint disease, trauma, scurvy, and signs of childhood malnutrition, painting a picture of men who worked under extreme physical strain in the High Arctic. The study, published in PLOS One, highlights how whaling crews processed massive whales in freezing, wet conditions, leading to injuries and chronic health issues visible even centuries later. Beyond the human toll, the research raises alarms about climate change: thawing permafrost and coastal erosion are destabilizing burial sites, collapsing coffins, and shifting grave structures. Graves excavated in the 1980s, 2016, and 2019 show progressive deterioration, with textiles degrading over time. The findings challenge Svalbard’s 'managed decay' policy for cultural heritage, urging more urgent integration of archaeological preservation into climate planning.