FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 28, 2008

James Hansen named 2008 DRI Nevada Medalist
NASA scientist one of leading voices on climate change

James E. Hansen, Director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies has been named the 2008 recipient of the Desert Research Institute’s Nevada Medal, which will be presented at dinners in Reno and Las Vegas, in April.

“Dr. Hansen has studied the effects of greenhouse gases (GHGs) on Earth's climate throughout most of his illustrious career,” said Stephen Wells, DRI President. “Through his development and application of global models to explore the potential climate effects of unchecked increases in GHG concentrations, Dr. Hansen has become one of the most prominent and recognizable scientific spokespersons on the topic of climate change.”

Hansen’s scientific publications, testimony before congressional committees, media interactions, and other means, have established him as a consistent voice warning about the potential effects of climate change and calling for directed approaches to reduce GHG emissions.

Governor Jim Gibbons and First Lady Dawn Gibbons will once again co-chair these events; Tuesday, April 15 at the Peppermill Hotel Casino in Reno, and Thursday, April 17 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. For ticket information, contact Dawn Coots, at (775) 674-7555 or dawn.coots@dri.edu.

The Nevada Medal was established by DRI in 1988 to acknowledge outstanding achievement in science and engineering.  It includes a $20,000 honorarium and minted silver medal provided by the shareholders of communication company AT&T.  Nominations for the Nevada Medal are accepted continuously from universities, private firms, research organizations, professional societies and individuals.
“We are proud of our association with the Nevada Medal since its inception,” said Hal Lenox, President of AT&T Nevada. “A scientist as renowned as Dr. Hansen accepting this award speaks to the wonderful reputation the Desert Research Institute has around the world.”
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Note to Reporters and Editors: DRI, the nonprofit research campus of the Nevada System of Higher Education, strives to be the world leader in environmental sciences through the application of knowledge and technologies to improve people’s lives throughout Nevada and the world.