Game theory to the rescue
http://qz.com/797996/a-combination-of-machine-learning-and-game-theory-is-being-used-to-fight-elephant-poaching-in-uganda/%60
As the discussion in class pointed out, game theory entails making strategic decisions based on the possible decisions of your opponent. As the concept goes, it is being applied to different ranges of problems. The major challenge we are facing at the moment is the degradation of our environment and the threat of endangered species getting extinct. One example is the poaching of elephants and rhinos which mostly occur in the saharan game reserves. As the article above points out, the main challenge here is how to stop poachers before they can carry out their attack. This is mainly because of limited human resources(not enough rangers to patrol the vast park and therefore cannot be everywhere all the time) and therefore the poachers occasionally get away with their poaching.
With the knowledge of game theory and in combination with machine learning algorithms, Protection Assistant for Wildlife(PAWS) is using mathematical models to evaluate how rational human beings would act and then use this knowledge to suggest routes to rangers that won’t be easily predictable. This model also predicts where poachers may attack and tell rangers where to patrol. The model is currently being tested in Uganda, which had experienced severe illegal ivory trading in the recent past and it is by no surprise producing reliable results which have helped reduce poaching.
With this as a motivation, game theory can be a savior to the current environmental situations. Proper application can yield remarkable results.