James E. Hansen
James E. Hansen is the director of NASA Goddard
Institute for Space Studies, The Earth Institute at
Columbia University.
Hansen has collected and analyzed global surface
temperatures and studied the Earth’s atmosphere since
the 1970s. His research focuses on the development and
application of global numerical models for the purpose of
understanding current climate trends and projecting the
potential human impact on climate. In 1994, he co-founded
the Institute on Climate and Planets at the Goddard
Institute in collaboration with local public high schools
and colleges. Through this program, teachers and selected
inner-city students have the opportunity to join research
groups at the Institute during their summer vacations.
Hansen has published more than 100 scientific papers
and numerous popular science articles. He is the recipient
of the Heinz Award in the Environment for his exemplary
leadership in the critical and often contentious debate
over the threat of global climate change.
Hansen received a B.A. in physics and mathematics, an
M.S. in astronomy, and a Ph.D. in physics from the
University of Iowa.