The "Space Race" of the 1960's grew out of Cold War tensions between the USA and "Soviet Union". In the several decades following the first Sputnik launch, each new rocket-propelled venture to follow symbolized the technological might of "Superpowered" enemies. Rockets, being smoking, roaring engines of war, as well as of moon landing, unfailingly got public attention.

Dr. James E. Hansen is, today, schedule to lob the 'ticking climate time bomb' metaphor into the hearing range of the US Congress. He his testimony will step beyond the science and venture into Federal policy making for climate action.

Read more about Dr. James E. Hansen's speech to congress.