James Hansen
James Hansen
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Full Name: James E. Hansen
Common Aliases: None noted.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: March 29, 1941
Still alive; no death date is available.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession(s): Climate Scientist, Researcher, Activist
Early Life and Background
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James Hansen was born on March 29, 1941, in Denison, Iowa. His family moved frequently during his childhood, eventually settling in the Midwest. Hansen developed a strong interest in science at an early age, particularly astronomy and mathematics. He attended the University of Iowa for his undergraduate degree, where he earned a Bachelor's in Physics in 1963.
Hansen then pursued graduate studies at the University of Illinois, earning a Master's in Astronomy in 1965. After completing his master's thesis on stellar energy distributions, Hansen accepted a research position at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS). This marked the beginning of his distinguished career as a climate scientist.
Major Accomplishments
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Hansen's contributions to our understanding of climate change are numerous. Some of his most significant achievements include:
Early warnings about human-caused global warming: In the 1980s, Hansen began sounding the alarm on the dangers of greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on Earth's temperature.
Testifying before Congress: In 1988, Hansen testified before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, providing evidence for the first time that human activities were causing global warming. His testimony helped raise public awareness of climate change issues.
NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS): As Director of GISS from 1981 to 2013, Hansen led research efforts on climate modeling and policy analysis.Notable Works or Actions
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Hansen has been a vocal advocate for climate action throughout his career. Some notable works and actions include:
"Climate Action Plan" (2009): As Director of NASA's GISS, Hansen co-authored this comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition the global economy to renewable energy sources.
"Storms of My Grandchildren" (2009): This book details Hansen's personal experiences as a climate scientist and his concerns about the future consequences of continued fossil fuel use.Impact and Legacy
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James Hansen has had a profound impact on our understanding of climate change. His work has influenced policy makers, scientists, and activists worldwide. Some notable legacies include:
Raising public awareness: Through his testimony before Congress, Hansen helped bring the issue of climate change into mainstream discourse.
* Informing international policy: His research and advocacy have informed decisions at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other global forums.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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James Hansen is widely quoted and remembered for his tireless advocacy on climate change. His dedication to sharing scientific knowledge with policymakers and the public has made him a respected figure in the field. As one of the most prominent voices on climate change, Hansen continues to inspire action and raise awareness about the urgent need for transition to renewable energy sources.
His legacy serves as a reminder that scientists have a responsibility to communicate their findings effectively and advocate for policies that address pressing global challenges like climate change.
Quotes by James Hansen
I’ve tried to be a straight scientist doing the science and reporting it as best I can.
The last time the world was three degrees warmer than today-which is what we expect later this century-sea levels were 25m higher. So that is what we can look forward to if we don’t act soon.
I have been described as the grandfather of climate change. In fact, I am just a grandfather and I do not want my grandchildren to say that grandpa understood what was happening but didn’t make it clear.
Only in the last few years did the science crystallize, revealing the urgency – our planet really is in peril. If we do not change course soon, we will hand our children a situation that is out of their control.
Scientists will say we can’t blame global warming for any single event. In a sense that’s right, but the fact that the frequency and intensity of these events is increasing you can blame on global warming.
Politicians think that if matters look difficult, compromise is a good approach. Unfortunately, nature and the laws of physics cannot compromise – they are what they are.
We have at most ten years – not ten years to decide upon action, but ten years to alter fundamentally the trajectory of global greenhouse emissions.
As you get more global warming, you should see an increase in the extremes of the hydrological cycle – droughts and floods and heavy precipitation.
It’s as certain that as long as fossil fuels are the cheapest energy, we will just keep burning them.