Jack D. Ives is a Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies at Carleton University and a Senior Advisor of Mountain Ecology and Sustainable Development at United Nations University. He was Director of the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (1967-79) and Professor of Geography (1967-89) at the University of Colorado. He was a Professor of Mountain Geoecology, department chair (1989-93), and Professor of Environmental Studies (1993-97) at the University of California, Davis. From 1978 to 2000, he served as the Research Coordinator for the United Nations University Project on Mountain Ecology and Sustainable Development. He founded and edited the journals Arctic and Alpine Research and Mountain Research and Development. He has received a number of honours from countries around the world in recognition of his contribution to research and the environment.