Richard C. J. Somerville is Distinguished Professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego. He received a Ph. D. in meteorology from New York University in 1966. Dr. Somerville is interested in and studies all aspects of climate science and climate policy. He comments frequently on climate and environmental issues for the media and has also testified before the United States Congress, briefed United Nations climate change negotiators, and advised government agencies. Professor Sumerville is also Coordinating Lead Author for the 2007 assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.