Professor David G. Long, this year's recipient of the Karl G. Maeser distinguished faculty award, addressed the issues of microwaves, icebergs and global warming during Tuesday's forum.
Long is a BYU professor of electrical and computer engineering and the director of the BYU Center for Remote Sensing. He is also the principal investigator for a number of NASA-sponsored research projects in microwave remote sensing and is a member of NASA Science Teams.
Long discussed the reality of global warming and climate change, urging students to protect the environment.
"Even with the doubt and uncertainty about climate change, things that reduce greenhouse gases generally have the effect of protecting and preserving the environment," he said. "By wise and efficient resource use, we can save both our money and the planet."
Long explained that he studies the world through remote sensing at BYU.
"I'm an explorer," he said. "But in my explorations I rarely leave my office."
Relating his research at NASA to BYU, Long said students use remote sensing all the time.
"Remote sensing means literally seeing from a distance," he said. "Most of you are already expert remote sensers-you use your eyes to see the world around you."
Long said the bottom line of his address was the climate system is complex, global warming is real, human activity is contributing to warming and the consequences of warming will be generally adverse.
"We're all in this together, so we need to work together," he said.
Long said each person has a responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.
"It has been suggested that it is arrogant to think that humans could adversely affect the earth," he said. "However, my work in remote sensing has helped me realize that we are affecting the planet. I believe God expects us to be good stewards of our world. It is our responsibility to pass a viable world on to our grandchildren."
John S. Tanner, academic vice president, said Long has been a master mentor to many students.
"Both students and faculty respect Professor Long," Tanner said. "He takes time to devote to each student to mentor and serve them."
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Copyright Brigham Young University 28 Jan 2009
