CRC Press Mathematics for the Environment

Mathematics for the Environment shows how to employ simple mathematical tools, such as arithmetic, to uncover fundamental conflicts between the logic of human civilization and the logic of Nature. These tools can then be used to understand and effectively deal with economic, environmental, and social issues. With elementary mathematics, the book seeks answers to a host of real-life questions, including: How safe is our food and will it be affordable in the future? What are the simple lessons to be learned from the economic meltdown of 2008–2009? Is global climate change happening? Were some humans really doing serious mathematical thinking 50,000 years ago? What does the second law of thermodynamics have to do with economics? How can identity theft be prevented? What does a mathematical proof prove? A truly interdisciplinary, concrete study of mathematics, this classroom-tested text discusses the importance of certain mathematical principles and concepts, such as fuzzy logic, feedback, deductive systems, fractions, and logarithms, in various areas other than pure mathematics. It teaches students how to make informed choices using fundamental mathematical tools, encouraging them to find solutions to critical real-world problems. Review The book can be recommended to all those readers who are interested in applied mathematics as well as to those who do not think of themselves as mathematicians yet being interested in laws and relationships in which mathematics may be a helpful tool. ―Herbert S. Buscher, Zentralblatt MATH 1211 The book is heavily referenced … there are many detailed exercises designed to highlight how mathematics can be used to explain natural phenomena and human behavior and its consequences. … this book could serve as a text for courses in applied mathematics and a resource for study material in many other subject areas … ―MAA Reviews, July 2011 "Recently I purchased Mathematics for the Environment and find it to be one of the most fascinating and comprehensive that I have ever encountered. Next semester I will be teaching a class on mathematical modeling for seniors in our department, and intend to use (with attribution of course) some of the examples and questions. Never have I seen such an eclectic set of topics in a single volume. Basically I am writing to thank you for it, and to say ‘Bravo’!" ―John A. Adam, Ph.D., University Professor and Professor of Mathematics Department of Mathematics & Statistics Engineering & Computational Sciences Building Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA The book can be recommended to all those readers who are interested in applied mathematics as well as to those who do not think of themselves as mathematicians yet being interested in laws and relationships in which mathematics may be a helpful tool. ―Herbert S. Buscher, Zentralblatt MATH 1211 The book is heavily referenced … there are many detailed exercises designed to highlight how mathematics can be used to explain natural phenomena and human behavior and its consequences. … this book could serve as a text for courses in applied mathematics and a resource for study material in many other subject areas … ―MAA Reviews, July 2011 "Recently I purchased Mathematics for the Environment and find it to be one of the most fascinating and comprehensive that I have ever encountered. Next semester I will be teaching a class on mathematical modeling for seniors in our department, and intend to use (with attribution of course) some of the examples and questions. Never have I seen such an eclectic set of topics in a single volume. Basically I am writing to thank you for it, and to say ‘Bravo’!" ―John A. Adam, Ph.D., University Professor and Professor of Mathematics Department of Mathematics & Statistics Engineering & Computational Sciences Building Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA About the Author Martin Walter is a professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Colorad