The Section of Economic, Social and Environmental History (WSU) is focused on the historical analysis of environmental, social and economic topics. The section was established in 1997/98, but research in economic, social, environmental and climate history has a strong tradition at the University of Berne since the 1970ies. This homepage provides information about current projects, staff and teachings. Todays director, Prof. Christian Rohr, is specialized in the research of natural disasters and their perception in past societies from the ancient world until today. Further key aspects of his interests and teachings are the history of water, medieval climate and environment. The WSU is also well-known for its climatic reconstructions of medieval and modern times with documentary sources. Data from many years of research under former director Prof. Christian Pfister, are currently under-way to build up the historical climate database called EUROCLIMHIST (available online in spring 2012).