The Genesis of Green Math
In 2011, mathematical physicist John Baez, affiliated with the University of California, Riverside, and the University of Edinburgh, expressed a desire to apply mathematics to environmental concerns.
Baez proposed the development of "green math" to better model Earth's biosphere and climate, specifically seeking to apply category theory, an abstract branch of mathematics, to this goal.
Overcoming Skepticism and Fostering Growth
Initial skepticism existed regarding the effectiveness of applying abstract mathematics to complex systems like ecosystems, where traditional models often prove less effective due to inherent complexity.
Despite early doubts, the field has seen significant expansion: over 100 mathematicians have since joined Baez as "applied category theorists" to model various real-world systems.
This burgeoning discipline now boasts an annual conference, an academic journal, an institute, and a research program funded by the U.K. government, signaling its robust development.
Emerging Applications and Future Potential
Applied category theorist Matteo Capucci notes that skepticism towards applied category theory persists. However, the approach has recently demonstrated successful applications.
While not yet fully within the "green" domain as initially envisioned by Baez, the method shows promising potential in diverse fields such as epidemiology and artificial intelligence safety.
Understanding Category Theory
Category theory, originating in 1945, was developed to formalize relationships between mathematical objects. It has since evolved into a significant mathematical branch.
In this abstract framework, objects are primarily defined by their relationships to other objects within a system.
Tom Leinster, a mathematician at the University of Edinburgh, explains this concept using the analogy of a chess king: an object's definition is based on its interactions and rules within a system, rather than its physical attributes.