Today is International Day of Mathematics– often known as pi day (3rd March is 3-14 in the American date system). What’s that got to do with conservation you may wonder? Well, maths, data and statistics are vital to all science and conservation is no different. We have some great Earth Optimism events coming up which explore some of the maths and data behind conservation success.
Join Mark Spalding on 31st March to find out about “Big data, big ideas and the big blue ocean“. Mark joined the World Conservation Monitoring Centre in the early 1990s, where he compiled the first ever detailed maps of coral reefs and mangrove forests. Building on these maps he worked with partners around the world to track both threats and conservation efforts. He will also be participating in a live Q&A about how we can innovate for conservation at 8pm on Wednesday 31 March.
How many species would have gone extinct without conservation action? BirdLife International’s Chief Scientist Stuart Butchart consulted a global network of experts on the world’s most threatened birds and mammals to find out. The answer reveals how effective conservation efforts can be, even in the face of extreme threats. You can watch his talk here, from 1st April.
Computer games are often blamed for taking people away from nature, but can their power be harnessed for conservation? Games data analyst and passionate conservationist Raff Mares thinks they can. Join him on 31st March to hear more.
