Professor Montagno offers his expertise on climate change
By Ryan Lyesiuk
Observer Contributor
Professor Thomas Montagno
Is climate change real? Are we experiencing global warming at this very moment? If so, is there anything we can do to reverse this process? Professor Thomas Montagno provides his expoert opinion on these questions.
According to Montagno, climate change is a reality, with the warmest global temperatures ever recorded in the month of October in 2019. Montagno stated, “In the last ten years we have recorded the highest temperatures worldwide in recorded history.”
“CO2 levels have risen significantly since the advent of the industrial revolution,” Montagno added.
CO2 levels increased from 260 parts per million in the 1850’s to 407 parts per million as of 2019, according to planet.com.
Are humans contributing to climate change? According to Montagno, we absolutely are a major factor in climate change, with “our insistence on primarily burning fossil fuels for energy.” According to Montagno, we need to utilize the sun more for fuel, relying less on fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide, which are capable of damaging the ozone layer and polluting the environment.
According to Montagno, there are other human factors contributing to climate change. Montagno said, “cattle production, specifically the beef industry, should be reduced to slow the increase of methane gas in the atmosphere.” Eating a higher plant-based diet is one course of action individuals can take to help the environment.
“Beef requires lots of feed and water and produce lots of methane,” said Montagno. Since people have consumed beef for many years, and will always desire more, a total ban on beef is not practical, according to Montagno.
Driving and flying less are other options to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. Another way to help slow climate change is gathering more fuel from the sun, and less from fossil fuels, according to Montagno.
When asked about nature’s course causing climate change, Montagno said, “There may be some truth, but the rise in sea levels in the last 200 years shows it’s more.” Montagno followed by stating, “We can’t deny CO2 levels and temperatures have increased dramatically.”
“In the last ten years we have recorded the highest temperatures worldwide in recorded history.”
– Professor Thomas Montagno
In reality, it doesn’t matter what is causing climate change, the fact is that it’s happening now, and we need to act, according to Montagno. As world leaders, the United States needs to send a clear message that the time to act is now, if it’s not already too late.
“We could be doing much more,” said Montagno. With any luck, there is still hope, but we do not know the answer to that at this time, Montagno said.
There are several measures students can take to help in the effort to combat climate change, according to Montagno. Actions include: writing to legislature, joining the Citizen Climate Lobby, investing in renewable energy, eating locally, and consuming less meat. Montagno stated, “Students should strive to live sustainable,” including using less plastics and recycling whenever possible.
Montagno stated his top concerns with climate change include “rising sea levels, an increase in extreme storms, and more flooding to rivers.” When you piece it all together, it’s tough to deny climate change is real, according to Montagno.
Professor Montagno received his PHD in Horticulture at the Ohio State University in 1991. He immediately began teaching at the college level in Ohio, Virginia, and Massachusetts. Montagno has been a part of the MWCC staff for 16 years. He currently teaches Biology, Weather and Climate, Plants and Society, and Global Environmental Issues.
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