This book aims to view and to understand Alexander von Humboldt from different perspectives and in varying disciplinary contexts. His contributions addressed numerous topics in the earth but also life sciencesspanning from geo-botany, climatology, paleontology, oceanography, mineralogy, resources, and hydrogeology to links between the environmental impact of humans, erosion, and climate change. From the very beginning, he paved the way for a modern, integrated earth system science approach to decipher, characterize, and model the different forcing factors and their feedback mechanisms. It becomes obvious that Humboldts holistic approach is far beyond simple description and empiric data collection. As documented and analyzed in the different texts of this volume, he combines observation and analysis with emotions and subjective perceptions in a very affectionate way. However, this publication does not intend to add another encyclopedic text compilation but to observe and critically analyze this unique personalitys relevance in a modern context, particularly in discussing environmental and social key issues in the twenty-first century.

Part 1: Humboldts integrative scientific approach: Pioneering modern Earth system sciences.- Through a country we never intended to see. Revisiting The Humboldt renaissance.- Alexander Von Humboldt and earth system science.- Part 2: Humboldts influence on bio-geo-sciences.- Humboldt, biogeography, and the dimension of time.- Revisiting the Chimborazo Volcano Cradle of plant geography.- Part 3: Humboldt, the Earth scientist.- Humboldt's interpretation of the Andean geology.- Part 4: Humboldt, his relevance for contemporary education strategies and the political discourse.- Should Alexander Von Humboldt be part of contemporary geography education?.- Alexander Von Humboldt, a liberal ecologist. An essay.- Part 5: Humboldt: Empathic patron, consultant and communicator of science.- The Humboldt paradox: Science communication and mythology.- Indigenous knowledge HumboldtS idea of intercultural understanding.- Humboldts journey to Russia and Siberia in 1829 His dual role as consultant and explorer.- Part 6: An epilogue.- Alexander Von Humboldt: Dilletante of natural history or Oracle of modern science?.