Tree Patron and Entrepreneur Receive Environmental Award

Physicist Claus Mattheck and entrepreneur Hermann Josef Schulte have received the German Environmental Foundation's yearly award for environmental achievement. Mattheck was awarded the prize in recognition of his lifework in bionics, biomechanics and tree conservation. He succeeded in mapping the resilience of trees and translating his findings into engineering. His computer programs are now used in designing cars, among other things. He was also recognized for his activities as an author of children's books, which include Stupsi Explains the Tree: A Hedgehog Explains the Body Language of the Trees. Schulte received the prize for the development of a diesel engine filter that reduces particle emissions by over 95 percent. The German Federal Environment Foundation's award carries €500,000 ($587,000) in prize money and is Europe's highest-endowed environmental award.