Project Term: 2019-2021
Budget: NT$5 million
Origin: The Tang Prize is awarded on a biennial basis, each with a cash reward of NT$40 million. Projects proposed by the laureates also receive a grant of up to NT$10 million. The 2018 grant for Sustainable Development is shared between Dr. Hansen and Pro. Ramanathan.
Project Summary: Dr. James Hansen, the 2018 Tang Prize laureate in Sustainable Development, is also the director of the “Climate Science, Awareness and Solutions Program” run in the Earth Institute of Columbia University. He has decided to use the research grant to help him continue to contribute to cutting-age climate science. Working with the best scientists in the world, Dr. Hansen and his team aim to increase the awareness of climate change among the public, business community and policy makers. Apart from undertaking original scientific research, Dr. Hansen also takes on the job of reviewing papers with policy implications. He collaborates with relevant industries, business leaders and organizations to communicate to the world the pressing need to deal with climate change, and to map out the necessary steps toward climate stabilization. With this grant, he will be able to finish Sophie’s Planet, a book written for younger generations in which he chronicles his own struggle to become a scientist and learn the scientist method. Dr. Hansen believes that young people have the potential to affect their future and the future of our planet. By publishing the book, he hopes he can help them make wise decisions that will have impact on the climate situation.
Related link:
Sophie's Planet: A Search for Truth About Our Remarkable Home Planet and Its Future