James Hansen, internationally-known climate scientist, received a 29th Annual Common Wealth Award of Distinguished Service. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who advance and enrich society through their life's work.
Dr. Hansen, director of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, was recognized in the science category. He is an adjunct professor of earth sciences at Columbia University's Earth Institute. The Common Wealth Awards of Distinguished Service were first presented in 1979 by the Common Wealth Trust, which honors the legacy of the late philanthropist Ralph Hayes.
Dr. Hansen has focused his studies on the Earth's climate to better understand the human impact on global climate. He recently commemorated the 20th anniversary of his historic appearance before a Senate hearing on the topic of climate change. He stated in that seminal speech that he was "99 percent" certain that human activity was leading to a warmer climate, and urged legislation to halt it. His efforts ultimately led to the Kyoto Protocol. Senator John Heinz was an early student of the issues surrounding global warming and advocated on Dr. Hansen's behalf to his fellow senators and to the administration. Dr. Hansen's acceptance speech at the Heinz Awards ceremony elaborates on their relationship. At a recent House committee hearing, he laid out plans to cut emissions and stem the "global warming time bomb" ticking away.
Dr. Hansen is the recipient of the 7th Environment Heinz Award.
