Mathematics for the environment
How does mathematics play a role in climate studies?
Mathematics helps to study the climate using models that simulate meteorological data (temperatures, precipitation, etc.) over long periods of time. These models use probabilities to predict climatic events, even rare ones, and assess their impact on the environment and agriculture. They also make it possible to anticipate the effects of climate change.
Find out more: Stochastic models for simulating the weather - Maths news
Can mathematics play a role in protecting nature?
Ecology is a science that analyzes the interactions between living beings and their environment. To understand complex phenomena such as climate change, species extinction, and pollution, ecology relies on mathematics, particularly statistics. These tools enable us to model ecosystems, analyze biological data, and predict changes in natural environments.
Find out more: When mathematics and ecosystems come together - GDR EcoStat
Having accurate weather forecasts is environmentally friendly, and also mathematical!
Improving the accuracy of weather forecasts is not just about knowing whether it will rain tomorrow: it is a key environmental issue. By analyzing the differences between past forecasts and reality, mathematicians refine their models to better predict the weather ahead. This allows for better anticipation of electricity consumption and therefore adjustment of production, or informed public health decisions regarding health risks related to ozone pollution or heat waves.
Find out more: Better weather forecasting - Maths news
How can mathematics support the energy transition?
To regulate and optimize energy consumption, scientists are working on smart grids, for example. The construction of these networks uses several mathematical tools, including dynamic programming, which is an algorithmic method.
Find out more: How does a microgrid, or smart grid, work? - The Conversation
Mathematics plays a key role in estimating species populations and predicting their evolution.
Thanks to the rise of participatory science, scientists are collecting a significant amount of data to monitor the status and evolution of species. Specialists are compiling large statistical databases and using this data to create relevant indicators, such as biodiversity indices, abundance maps, and ecological niche models. These mathematical tools are helping to improve species monitoring and protection policies.
Find out more: Assessing biodiversity with the help of citizens - Camille Coron - DiMath video
From fishing to overfishing: mathematics becomes a safety net!
Mathematical modeling of fishing-related activities makes it possible to analyze changes in fish populations, natural conditions, and the socioeconomic situation of fishers. These models are designed and used by mathematicians, who work in collaboration with scientists from other disciplines.
Find out more: For maximum sustainable fishing - Math news in brief
Protecting yourself from forest fires is also a matter of mathematics!
Forest fires cause human casualties, environmental damage, and economic losses, contributing to deforestation and air pollution. To better anticipate their spread, mathematical models simulate their intensity and speed based on environmental factors. Recent research uses 3D modeling to improve these models by comparing simulations with actual fire data.
Find out more: Modeling forest fires - Math news in brief