Mathematics of Planet Earth 2013 (MPE 2013) is an initiative of mathematical sciences organizations around the world designed to showcase the ways in which the mathematical sciences can be useful in tackling our world's problems. This initiative has led to plans for many events to take place in 2013, including more than 10 long term programs at institutes around the world, more than 50 workshops, many invited speakers and special sessions at societal meetings, numerous public lectures, the development of educational materials, art exhibits, and an international prize competition to create innovative modules for display and use and which can be widely disseminated and exhibited.
As MPE has gained members, it has become clear that there is momentum to propel it beyond 2013. The problems facing our planet will persist, and so we have initiated a new project Mathematics of Planet Earth 2013+ (MPE 2013+), which aims to involve mathematical scientists in laying the groundwork for a long-term effort to surmount them and to sustain MPE activities beyond 2013.