Topic: Goddard Institute for Space Studies

NASA climate scientist James Hansen retires to join global warming fight full time

James Hansen, a devoted activist against climate change, announced his retirement from NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies and plans to challenge federal and state governments over carbon dioxide emissions.

Opinion: Hurricane Sandy blows climate change back on the table

Today is election day in the US, but climate change should have been on the campaign agenda months ago. It shouldn't take a disaster like superstorm Sandy to finally bring it back into the conversation. 

Mayan collapse mystery solved? Deforestation exacerbated a drought

Mayan collapse: One new study blames the collapse of the Mayan empire on deforestation combined with drought. Environmental and trade problems caused the Mayan collapse, says another new study.

Focus Weather? Climate change? Why the drought is persisting and growing.

Several factors, including La Niña events, have contributed to the expanded drought, meteorologists say. Conditions in the West may be setting up for a 'megadrought' by century's end, researchers warn.

Is global warming behind the recent heat waves? (+video)

The unusual heat waves felt in Texas, Oklahoma, Moscow, and elsewhere in recent years are almost certainly a result of global warming, according to a study led by NASA scientist and climate activist James Hansen. 

Bizarre vortex spotted on Saturn's largest moon

NASA's Cassini probe has photographed a swirling vortex of gas high above the south pole of Titan, Saturn's largest moon.  

Change Agent Irrigation expert crosses religious, political lines to win World Food Prize

Daniel Hillel developed a system called micro-irrigation, which has opened up dry regions to farming, revolutionizing agriculture worldwide. The Israeli scientist has worked closely with Arab friends in Jordan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

Climate study, funded in part by conservative group, confirms global warming

The latest global warming results confirm those from earlier, independent studies by scientists at NASA and elsewhere that came under fire from skeptics in an episode known as 'climategate.'

How climate change models could get better, thanks to NASA

NASA is set to launch satellite Glory early Wednesday. It will measure incoming sunlight and atmospheric particles, both key to crafting better climate models.

What's really causing Himalayan glaciers to melt?

A new study suggests that black carbon could be the cause of Himalayan glaciers melting.

Why has global warming paused? Water vapor may be in the answer.

A decline in stratospheric water vapor between 2000 and 2009 followed an apparent increase between 1980 and 2000, a team of scientists has found. That finding may have implications for global warming.

Climate change: Scientists say this decade likely hottest on record

At Copenhagen climate change talks, a research group says this decade is likely to prove the hottest on record.

Will clash of science and politics undermine Copenhagen summit?

Climategate emails could have huge impact on summit, says Saudi Arabia’s lead climate negotiator. Others say the controversial leaked emails provide an opportunity to educate the public about climate science.

The next major threat to the ozone layer: nitrous oxide

Each molecule remains in the atmosphere for about 100 years, meaning the gas can deplete the ozone layer as much others covered by the 1987 Montreal Protocol.

Are climate-change deniers guilty of treason?

Pro and con views on the global warming debate

Greenhouse gases and our perception of risk

Scientists admit global warming is a hoax (April fools)

Researchers study the other greenhouse gas: water vapor

By tracking specific origins of moisture, scientists can better predict regional rain and snowfall.

It's getting warmer in Antarctica

NASA climate scientist pens personal appeal to Obama

James Hansen, one of the world's most eminent climate scientists, and his wife, Anniek, have written an open letter to Barack and Michelle Obama on the urgency of the need to halt global warming.

Climate groups look post-Bush

Expecting a more aggressive approach, they offer advice to the McCain and Obama campaigns.

On emissions, G-8 looks past Bush

Its support for halving emissions by 2050 is seen as useful for future negotiations.

Elsewhere on the Web

A look at what other eco-sites are up to.

Virginia coal-fired power plant approved

A Virginia regulatory board unanimously gave final approval for a $1.8 billion coal-fired power plant in the state's far southwest corner.