How Can Mathematics Save The World?

In 1936, Lee Faulk created the world’s first superhero, The Phantom, decked in a purple outfit and a matching mask. Subsequently, over the years, several spandex-wearing superheroes have graced our TV screens, saving the world one at a time. However, a new superhero has emerged, ready to save the world, and it’s not wearing Spandex this time. Wondering who this mystery superhero is? It’s mathematics.

Contrary to popular opinion, math isn’t just some boring subject we’re forced to do throughout the first 16 years of our life. If we scratch beneath the surface, we’d see that this subject can save the world in many ways.

In today’s world, many mathematicians are using mathematical concepts to make the world a better place for all of us. This explains why many parents now use Brighterly.com and other online learning platforms to ensure that their children learn math. Whether you’re teaching math for second-graders or high school students, it’s essential that students learn math and equally understand why they need math.

So, to the big question: how exactly can mathematics save the world? Let’s scratch beneath the surface, shall we?

It helps to design better weather and climate forecasts.

We should all know that weather conditions are more than just rainy days or sunny days. Rather, they can significantly impact the environment in so many ways. For instance, extreme weather conditions are a leading cause of environmental imbalance. When this occurs, all industries and life forms suffer greatly.

However, thanks to mathematics, we can create accurate weather forecasts that help us predict when and where extreme weather can strike. In the same vein, we can also generate climate projections to understand weather patterns over a long period.

Wondering how it works? Well, it’s simple (kind of). Mathematicians work with sets of equations related to the atmosphere while considering all atmospheric conditions. Furthermore, using mathematical models known as Global Circulation Models (GCMs), they can then study interactions between the atmosphere and oceans and then predict future weather conditions.

Breaking down and analyzing big data

Every day, scientists around the world collect big data about the environment. This data is essential because it helps us understand the state of our planet and create strategies for preserving it or fending off disasters. However, regardless of how important or precious this data is, it’s useless without a statistical interpretation.

Fortunately, with the help of mathematicians, we can use statistical models to interpret data and determine its reliability.

It helps to prepare the world for a change

You’ve certainly heard about climate change, as it’s been in the news for years now. Climate change is indeed real and will affect all sectors across the world. We can only mitigate these potential risks by accurately predicting them and taking steps to prevent or cushion them. This is where mathematicians come in.

Since probability is a core mathematical tenet, mathematicians can use their understanding of this concept to draw analyses on the possibility of climate conditions such as heatwaves, droughts, and so on. Subsequently, they can advise policymakers on the proper steps to take.

The bottom line is that the mechanics of climate change is inherently mathematical, and as such, we can rely on mathematicians to help predict these changes and prepare us for what is to come.

Maximizing and utilizing renewable energy sources

Today, environmentalists are concerned about the future of energy sources. On the one hand, we have renewable energy sources, and on the other, non-renewable ones (e.g., coal). To protect and preserve the non-renewable energy sources, we must look towards maximizing the renewable ones (e.g., wind energy and solar energy) since they are inexhaustible.

Fortunately, mathematics can swoop in and save the day once again. For starters, mathematicians can design highly efficient layouts for turbine arrays and choose the best locations for solar farms. By doing these, they’re ensuring that these renewable energy sources are maximized and used efficiently.

Furthermore, mathematicians are constantly researching and trying to implement strategies for big corporations to integrate more weather-dependent energy sources in the future. Through all these immense contributions, math gradually builds a low-carbon world and ensures that the lights never go out.

Fighting natural disasters

In 2018, disaster struck in Paradise, California. A wildfire started, killing over 85,000 people and burning more than 150,000 acres of land. This disaster and many others have rocked the world, affecting lives and properties over the past decade. You may be wondering: how can mathematics help in these scenarios?

Well, it’s simple. In 2018, after the Paradise wildfire struck, a man named Gregory Crutsinger arrived and programmed 15,000 drones to fly over the wildfires. The drones took thousands of images, and these images were used to create a map for officials to assess the damage and create recovery strategies.

As Crutsinger did, many mathematicians and scientists can design drones or mathematical models to assess the damages caused by natural disasters and proffer solutions or damage control.

Utilizing and improving supercomputers

As the name implies, supercomputers are computers that perform at a very high operational level. You could think of them as the superheroes of computers. In most cases, they are used for scientific and engineering purposes (e.g., modeling weather and climate).

Using mathematical concepts like quantum computing, mathematicians can improve these computers and make them more efficient. Consequently, their energy consumption can also be reduced by optimizing their performance. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

Final Thoughts

Mathematics is more than just a technical subject. Over the years, it has saved the world and is still doing so today. As such, it’s vital to ensure that your kids take regular math for kids classes or even learn online using edtech tools. This way, they’ll be able to build a strong relationship with the subject and learn to love it. They could even become a mathematician someday and join the superhero trope!