James Hansen

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Hansen 2006 temperature comparison

James E. Hansen (born March 29, 1941) is an American astronomer, climatologist, and adjunct professor directing the Program on Climate Science, Awareness and Solutions at the Columbia University Earth Institute. He is best known for his research in the field of climatology, his testimony on climate change to congressional committees in 1988 that helped raise broad awareness of global warming, and his advocacy of action to avoid dangerous climate change. In recent decades, Hansen has become a climate activist for mitigating the effects of climate change, a stance that has included criticism of policies and practices as he sees them inadequately addressing the climate crisis.

Early Life and Education

James Hansen was born in Denison, Iowa, and pursued his higher education in physics and mathematics at the University of Iowa, earning his B.A. in 1963, M.S. in 1965, and Ph.D. in 1967. His doctoral thesis was on the atmosphere of Venus; early in his career, his research focused on the planetary atmospheres of Venus and Earth.

Career

Hansen's career in science began at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York City, where he was employed from 1967, eventually becoming its director in 1981, a position he held until 2013. His work at NASA led to significant contributions to the understanding of the Earth's climate system. He developed one of the first climate models that projected the impact of various levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) on global temperatures, which has been instrumental in the field of climatology.

In 1988, Hansen gained national attention when he testified before the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, stating with high confidence that global warming was already happening and that human activity was a major cause. This testimony is often cited as a pivotal moment in raising the public's awareness of global warming and in stimulating the development of climate policy in the United States and globally.

Activism

Beyond his scientific work, Hansen is known for his activism in the fight against climate change. He has been arrested multiple times during protests against coal mining and the Keystone XL pipeline, actions that underscore his belief in the urgent need for a transition to renewable energy sources. Hansen has criticized cap-and-trade policies as ineffective and has advocated for a carbon fee or tax as a more direct and efficient method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Publications and Influence

Hansen has authored and co-authored numerous articles, papers, and books on climate science. His 2009 book, Storms of My Grandchildren, outlines his views on the dire consequences of continued global warming and the actions necessary to prevent them. His work has had a significant impact on the field of climatology and on public understanding of climate issues.

Awards and Honors

Over his career, Hansen has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and his efforts in raising awareness about climate change. These include the American Geophysical Union's Roger Revelle Medal and the Sophie Prize for his environmental work.

Legacy

James Hansen's legacy in the field of climate science is marked by his early and accurate predictions of global warming, his role in advancing the understanding of climate change, and his advocacy for meaningful action to mitigate its effects. His work continues to inspire scientists, activists, and policymakers to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.