It is beneficial to occasionally recall some basic mathematics because arithmetic is an inevitable discipline encountered in every aspect of life. Nowadays, especially in economics, sociology, or other technical fields, we hear discussions about growth rates for sectors.
The fact that the growth rate for a subject is constant over the years does not mean that the amount will remain the same. Understanding what exponential growth is becomes crucial in this regard. For instance, let's say the world temperature is 30 degrees, and there is a constant annual growth rate of 1%. As a result of this, we conclude that in 70 years, the world temperature will be 60 degrees. A constant annual rate of 1% may not be very intriguing when presented in reports, but when we calculate its outcome, we understand where it can lead. Similarly, if the world population is 7 billion (well, we know that) and the annual growth rate is a constant 1.5% (hmm... not too much), we can understand that within 46 years, the world population will reach 14 billion (wow! double!) in consequence. In this case, even thinking about the implications of a population of 14 billion in a world with a constantly decreasing volume and diminishing resources can be alarming.
In short, ratios can be very small and constant, but their impact grows exponentially over time, and the result in terms of quantity can be very high figures due to exponential growth (like 2²). Therefore, the most accurate approach is to first understand the meaning of the given ratios in reports and presentations, and then to think about what result this ratio will lead to in terms of quantity and make judgments accordingly. Particularly, it is inevitable for the general public to understand and interpret this, for a more environmentally friendly, healthier, and livable world.
Dr. Bilinç Dolmacı
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