Why is it that our society as a whole recognizes the importance of mathematics but many students don't?
Perhaps we need a new marketing agency :).
See the link Interdisciplinary Convection for my view of the critical role math plays in solving significant problems.
1. All issues relating to world population require an understanding of mathematics.
A. Per Capita v Life Expectancy graph.
2. Sustainability
A. How far does food travel from source to our tables? Sustainable Table
Non-mathematical Problems that require mathematics
Eventually, this section will contain a list of significant problems of a regional, national and global interest that can only be understood through mathematics.
1. How much would fuel economy need to improve to compensate for population growth?
2. A large piece of the economy is fueled by the exploitation of non-renewable resources. What happens when those are substantially depleted?