Somerville is a theoretical meteorologist and an expert on computer simulations of the atmosphere. His research is on the physics of clouds and their role in the climate system. His interests include all aspects of climate, including climate science outreach and the interface between science and public policy. This research is reflected by a long list of publications in highly respected, peer reviewed journals. He comments frequently on climate and environmental issues for the media. He formally retired in 2007 but remains active in research, education and outreach.
Honors
Somerville has been named a Fellow of three scientific societies: the , the , and the . In 2017, Somerville received the of the American Geophysical Union. This award is given in recognition of “outstanding contributions to one or more of the following area: societal impact, service to the Earth and space community, scientific leadership, and promotion of talent/career pool.” Among his honors to date, Somerville has received awards from the American Meteorological Society for both his research and his popular book The Forgiving Air: Understanding Environmental Change, a new edition of which was published in 2008. He was a Coordinating Lead Author for the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeFourth Assessment report. The awarded him its 2015 , which "highlights the importance of promoting scientific literacy, clarity of message, and efforts to foster respect and understanding of science-based values as they relate to the implications of climate change."
AGU Ambassador Award
Advocacy and outreach
Somerville was an organizer and signatory of the 2007 Bali Declaration by Climate Scientists. Throughout 2009 he worked with an international team of 26 leading climate scientists to prepare the Copenhagen Diagnosis. The Copenhagen Diagnosis was released in the lead-up to the UNFCCC COP15 conference in Copenhagen. It synthesizes the most recent scientific findings from hundreds of peer reviewed papers in areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, sea level, glaciers, tipping points and extreme climate events, among other key topics. Interviews, lectures and popular writings can be found on his personal website.