Mathematical models in sustainable development

Abstract

Mathematical modeling plays useful roles towards sustainable development in arriving at the understanding, prediction and control of developmental processes. For long term prediction ordinary differential equation models are used. We have described exponential and logistic equation models as used in studies of growth of population, water quality, fishery and economy. Equilibrium solutions and their stability have been illustrated. For controlling developmental process, the relevant utility function is maximized with the equation of growth as constraint. This methodology is illustrated from an example of economic growth model. It is concluded that for sustainable development, it is necessary to build comprehensive mathematical models of human-environmental systems.