[Zeppo]

As much as the guy has disgusted me and still does, at least he now acknowledges the problem with gamed data and the like. It’s his own head he’s in effect chopping off here, having shot his mouth off in support of all this for so long. I sure wish our leaders would be as frank and open to what has taken place.

I have a different take on this - I do not believe that he has acknowledged any "problem with gamed data and the like" other than that the release of the emails and data is becoming a PR problem. He calls for an "investigation" and yet he has already prejudged the outcome before such an investigation has even begun.

From the article, Hansen admitted the controversy could shake public's trust, and called for an investigation. "All that stuff they are arguing about the data doesn't really change the analysis at all, but it does leave a very bad impression," he said..

So, the fraud/hoax/scandal doesn't really change any analyses, it only causes a PR mess, which he perhaps believes can be swept off of the front pages if an 'investigation' is going on.

I don't see any evidence that he is damaging himself in any way here - rather, he is still an unapologetic true believer and an eco-extremist.

[DoughtyOne]

I do agree that he’s leveraging himself a new position. I also agree he is a true believer. I don’t disagree with your take on it. That or some variation that is similar is undoubtedly the case.