Jurgen Runge is Professor of Physical Geography and Geoecology at the Goethe-University Frankfurt, Germany. As an environmentalist and consultant he has worked on the evolution of tropical landscapes and former and recent climate changes in lower latitudes for many years. He is the editor of the series ""Palaeoecology of Africa"" and a member in several scientific editorial boards. The outcome and results of his research has been used for many applied purposes such as regional planning, remote sensing, land use, infrastructure projects and management of natural resources.