Summary

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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.