Mathematics Awareness Month - April 2013
Mathematics of Sustainability

Glaciers

The Earth’s climate is changing and a major contributing factor is the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere caused by the burning of fossil fuels . This issue was first examined in 1890s by the Swedish physical chemist Arrhenius who used mathematical techniques to predict that as the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere rose, the temperature of the planet would increase. Modern scientists use sophisticated mathematical equations and computer simulations to model in more detail the impact of increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases on Earth’s climate. The short version of their findings: the climate will change with overall temperatures increasing, more extreme weather events including more powerful storms and drought in many parts of the world, and rising sea levels as warmer temperatures cause glaciers to melt and sea water to expand. The mathematics of climate change was the theme of Math Awareness Month 2009.

These images of Muir Glacier in Alaska provide dramatic evidence of the changes underway on our planet. We are also seeing changing acidity levels in the oceans and changes in the weather including increasing droughts. How will these changes impact fishing and farming?

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