Therein lies the rub.
You say that James Hansen's name ranks with Al Gore's in public exposure.
I'm sure he does in your world. However, I am far, far, far more familiar with Al Gore than I am with James Hansen. That may be because Hansen is a nut, espousing a cause which has passed from possible to probably to for sure and his ideas are no longer relevant.
But in your world, he's as well known as Al Gore. Says a lot.